Market Situation Textile Floor Coverings 2011
Wuppertal, 14.01.2012 - The surrounding conditions were right. There was a further economic upswing in 2011. After 3.7 per cent in 2010 the gross domestic product also increased in 2011 – presumably by 3.0 %. The international markets appeared again to be more and more dynamic and stimulated the domestic export business. Domestic consumption also ran smoothly again, inter alia due to favorable financing conditions and the improved situation of the labour market.
In addition, the current debt crisis and euro crisis enhanced the propensity to consume. The acute insecurity of the euro and missing profitable investments in the capital markets induce the consumer to look for alternative types of investment. Building enterprises and renovation services are booming at present.
The German home textiles industry benefits from this development. Particularly in the second half of the year there were more and more positive signs. By the end of November a sales plus of about 1.2 per cent could be registered. The sales trend abroad of 1.2 per cent respectively 1.5 per cent was similar. The export quota of 25 per cent remained stable in 2011.
The number of production plants of the home textile industry was only slightly reduced in 2011. 147 plants are estimated, i.e. -2 percent. It is estimated that the number of employees was reduced by 1.3 per cent to 14.700.
In the carpet industry (note: enterprises > 50 employees) the Federal Statistical Office registered 22 enterprises and 2.980 employees in the first three quarters of 2011.
The economic situation of textile floor coverings remained stable in 2011. By the end of November sales of this product group reached the previous year’s level.
In 2011 the sales increase was generated mainly abroad (2.5 per cent). Also the export quota showed an upward trend in 2011. On the whole, the development of the domestic business was slightly going down (-0.9 per cent). However, it is needed to take a closer look. Occasionally significant economic activities of the enterprises were shown. Manufacturers of high-quality products could register a positive development of the demand abroad and in the domestic market as well.
In general, in the domain of woven carpets demand increased.
“Quality comes at a price“. This message is understood in the market and appreciated accordingly. For enterprises committed to quality standards higher-than-average, service orientation and consequent brand politics it was more easy to generate a sales plus.
In 2011 favorable results were also shown in the contract business, where the positive development in the construction industry as well as enhanced renovation activities played a promoting role.
The average price level was improved by 2.4 per cent in total in 2011. On the one hand this is a sign for the increasing quality orientation of the buyers. On the other hand, price adjustments were inevitable due to the enormous increase of prices for raw materials.
How is it going to continue this year?
The economic prognosis 2011/2012 of the ifo Institute is captioned with the statement “Debt Crisis Curbs German Economy”. The forecasts are complicated by several uncertainty factors. In general a world-wide economic slowdown is probable in 2012. The gross domestic product is expected to increase by only disappointing 0.4 per cent in 2012.
In spite of dark clouds in economic skies, with sound optimism the German home textiles industry respectively the carpet industry looks at the year 2012. The enterprises still benefit from the positive domestic economic trend and the continuing shopping activities of the consumers. The effects of the currently intensified building and renovation activities partly will be seen only with temporal delay and will keep the home textile economy still going for a while.
Textile floor coverings produced in Germany have a strong market position among their international competitors. Regarding their design and their emotional expression, these high-quality products are on the upswing. In addition, they are characterized by innovations as to their form and functionality. German manufacturers are filling market niches and are internationally leading as to sustainability and environmental issues. Also in 2012 they will assume a solid position in international competition.
For further questions please contact:
Verband der Deutschen Heimtextilien-Industrie e.V.
(Association of the German Home Textiles Industry)
Hans-Böckler-Str. 205
42109 Wuppertal
Germany
Phone: +49 202-759740
e-mail: barbara.schmidt-zock[at]heimtex.de
Overview
In addition, the current debt crisis and euro crisis enhanced the propensity to consume. The acute insecurity of the euro and missing profitable investments in the capital markets induce the consumer to look for alternative types of investment. Building enterprises and renovation services are booming at present.
The German home textiles industry benefits from this development. Particularly in the second half of the year there were more and more positive signs. By the end of November a sales plus of about 1.2 per cent could be registered. The sales trend abroad of 1.2 per cent respectively 1.5 per cent was similar. The export quota of 25 per cent remained stable in 2011.
The number of production plants of the home textile industry was only slightly reduced in 2011. 147 plants are estimated, i.e. -2 percent. It is estimated that the number of employees was reduced by 1.3 per cent to 14.700.
In the carpet industry (note: enterprises > 50 employees) the Federal Statistical Office registered 22 enterprises and 2.980 employees in the first three quarters of 2011.
The economic situation of textile floor coverings remained stable in 2011. By the end of November sales of this product group reached the previous year’s level.
In 2011 the sales increase was generated mainly abroad (2.5 per cent). Also the export quota showed an upward trend in 2011. On the whole, the development of the domestic business was slightly going down (-0.9 per cent). However, it is needed to take a closer look. Occasionally significant economic activities of the enterprises were shown. Manufacturers of high-quality products could register a positive development of the demand abroad and in the domestic market as well.
In general, in the domain of woven carpets demand increased.
“Quality comes at a price“. This message is understood in the market and appreciated accordingly. For enterprises committed to quality standards higher-than-average, service orientation and consequent brand politics it was more easy to generate a sales plus.
In 2011 favorable results were also shown in the contract business, where the positive development in the construction industry as well as enhanced renovation activities played a promoting role.
The average price level was improved by 2.4 per cent in total in 2011. On the one hand this is a sign for the increasing quality orientation of the buyers. On the other hand, price adjustments were inevitable due to the enormous increase of prices for raw materials.
How is it going to continue this year?
The economic prognosis 2011/2012 of the ifo Institute is captioned with the statement “Debt Crisis Curbs German Economy”. The forecasts are complicated by several uncertainty factors. In general a world-wide economic slowdown is probable in 2012. The gross domestic product is expected to increase by only disappointing 0.4 per cent in 2012.
In spite of dark clouds in economic skies, with sound optimism the German home textiles industry respectively the carpet industry looks at the year 2012. The enterprises still benefit from the positive domestic economic trend and the continuing shopping activities of the consumers. The effects of the currently intensified building and renovation activities partly will be seen only with temporal delay and will keep the home textile economy still going for a while.
Textile floor coverings produced in Germany have a strong market position among their international competitors. Regarding their design and their emotional expression, these high-quality products are on the upswing. In addition, they are characterized by innovations as to their form and functionality. German manufacturers are filling market niches and are internationally leading as to sustainability and environmental issues. Also in 2012 they will assume a solid position in international competition.
For further questions please contact:
Verband der Deutschen Heimtextilien-Industrie e.V.
(Association of the German Home Textiles Industry)
Hans-Böckler-Str. 205
42109 Wuppertal
Germany
Phone: +49 202-759740
e-mail: barbara.schmidt-zock[at]heimtex.de
