The European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP) voiced its confidence at its recent meeting at Domotex in Hanover, when initial figures were released showing the parquet sector declined by 4% in 2012.
"The multiple economic forecasts for the current year converge on a more optimistic business development in the second quarter, which should also give a boost to overall consumer confidence," said FEP chairman Lars Gunnar Andersen.
FEP’s latest figures show parquet consumption in the EU/European Free Trade Association area as slightly above 91 million m3 in 2012. German, Austrian and Swiss markets performed solidly but the situation in southern European regions remained "disquieting".
Strong demand was reported for one-strip planks, though several other product categories declined.
