World Flooring & Carpets

World demand to rise 5% annually through 2016
World demand for flooring and carpets is expected to increase approximately five percent annually to 18.6 billion square meters in 2016. This will be an improvement from the 2006-2011 rate, as countries rebound from the 2008 global economic crisis. In value terms, demand for floor coverings is projected to grow almost seven percent per year through 2016 to more than $250 billion. The primary driver of demand in developed areas will be rebounds in many countries’ residential construction markets (especially in the US). In developing regions, rising building construction expenditures will fortify demand, as will growing per capita incomes that allow households to afford more expensive floor coverings. Rising motor vehicle production in many areas will also boost overall demand for floor coverings.

Asia/Pacific region to see fastest gains in demand
The Asia/Pacific region is forecast to post the fastest gains in demand as the rapid industrialization of many countries in this region, as well as greater personal incomes, will drive demand. China alone is projected to account for approximately one-third of all new demand generated globally through 2016, strengthening its position as the largest market for flooring and carpets in the world. North America is expected to see the second fastest gains in flooring and carpet demand through 2016, as an expected rebound in the US housing market drives growth. Solid increases in motor vehicle production in the US will also boost demand for floor coverings. The Africa/Mideast region is also expected to register strong gains, followed by Central and South America and Eastern Europe. Gains in developed areas such as Western Europe, Australia, and Japan will not be as strong as those in North America or developing regions. However, a rebound in new housing construction will boost demand in many of these countries.

Nonresilient flooring to outpace resilient types
The dominant nonresilient flooring segment (e.g., ceramic, laminate, wood), is forecast to see the strongest gains in demand through 2016. These producers will benefit from healthy gains in Asia, where these products account for the vast majority of total demand. Laminate flooring, in particular, is forecast to stimulate strong gains, in part because of its growing popularity in the US due to its durability and ease of maintenance. Global demand for resilient flooring, which is projected to post the second most rapid gains, will benefit from these products’ comparatively low cost and favorable characteristics such as comfort underfoot, noise absorption, and durability. Demand for carpets and rugs will see its fastest growth in North America due to increasing residential construction in the US, where carpet is a popular floor covering choice. A global acceleration in motor vehicle production will also boost demand for carpets and rugs.

Nonresidential construction to be fastest growing market
Through 2016, the fastest gains in floor covering demand are expected in nonresidential construction, primarily due to a rebound in nonresidential construction expenditures in countries recovering from the global financial crisis that began in 2008. Demand growth in the transportation equipment and other market will offer strong gains as well due to growing motor vehicle production, while demand in the residential building market will see similar growth due to rebounds in many countries’ housing markets.