Recent developments in the European parquet markets have fuelled a moderate optimism within the parquet industry as regards its performance in 2004. It is estimated that the overall parquet market in the FEP member countries (Western-Europe) has remained relatively stable, with a slight decline of less than 1% compared to the previous year. This still represents a consumption volume of more than 80 million sqm.

In general terms, the Central European markets (Austria and Germany) as well as France and the Netherlands have performed less well, whereas the Nordic countries reported more stable sales. Spain remained a growing market for parquet, which can be explained by a steady expansion of the construction sector.

Developments in the 2nd half of 2003, and especially the 4th quarter, give reason to believe that the parquet sector has reached the bottom of the recession, and can henceforth confront the market evolution with temperate optimism.