Positive U.S. economic trends coupled with easy-to-install options for DIYers
have spurred growth in the laminate and vinyl flooring industry, with the market
increasing nearly 8% from 2001- 2005 and the supply value topping $3 billion
in 2005. As the remodeling boom continues, the market should see healthy gains,
exceeding $4 billion by 2010, according to Laminate and Vinyl Flooring in the
U.S., a new report from market research publisher
SBI, a division of MarketResearch.com.
SBI's findings show double-digit growth from 2001 to 2005 in the laminate sector,
which has found favor with homeowners seeking a wood-flooring look at a budget
price. The advent of glueless, interlocking floors will help laminates grow
from $1.2 billion in 2005 to more than $1.9 billion in 2010. Although vinyl
flooring still dominates with almost a two-thirds share of the combined market,
SBI expects the vinyl sector to grow more slowly than laminate flooring to reach
$2.4 billion by 2010.
While economic factors have played an influential role in market growth, Chinese
imports have impacted the market as well. China's laminate exports are competitively
priced 35%-40% lower than U.S. products. Similarly, U.S. imports of vinyl tile
floor coverings from China have increased at a CAGR of approximately 30% during
2000-2005.
"Consumer tastes are changing with a preference towards exotic-looking,
hand-scraped, and rustic species laminates, and the huge influx of Chinese flooring
and subsequent decline in prices is changing their expectations to get more
for less," notes Tatjana Meerman, Managing Editor of SBI. "This will
continue to have a significant impact on U.S. manufacturers, many of which are
targeting Chinese manufacturers not only to streamline their own production
costs but to also gain a foothold in China."
Containing comprehensive data on U.S. shipments, imports and exports, end-
use markets, purchaser demographics, and the competitive environment, Laminate
and Vinyl Flooring in the U.S. identifies key issues, regulations, and trends
affecting the marketplace, and profiles major marketers along with manufacturer
and retailer strategies.