World demand for flooring and carpets is expected to rise 4.9% percent annually to 18.6 billion sq m in 2016, according to a new report from The Freedonia Group Inc. This will reportedly be an improvement from the rate during the 2006-2011 period, as countries rebound from the 2008 global economic crisis. 

In value terms, demand for floor coverings is projected to advance 6.8% per year to $270 billion.  The primary driver of demand in developed areas will be rebounds in the residential construction markets of many countries (especially in the U.S.). In developing regions, rising building construction activity and growing per capita incomes are expected to spur demand and allow households to afford more expensive floor coverings. Rising motor vehicle production in many areas will also boost overall demand for floor coverings.

The Asia-Pacific region is forecast to see the fastest gains in floor covering demand, as the rapid industrialization of many countries in this region and rising personal incomes will drive demand. China alone is projected to account for over one-third of all new demand generated 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, driven by an expected rebound in the U.S. housing market. Solid increases in motor vehicle production in the U.S. will also boost demand for floor coverings. 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.

Residential buildings constitute the largest market for floor coverings, accounting for 59% of sales in 2011. Nonresidential buildings made up 35% of demand, with transportation and other markets representing the remaining 6%. Through 2016, the fastest gains in demand are expected in the nonresidential buildings market, primarily due to a rebound in nonresidential construction expenditures in countries recovering from the 2008 global financial crisis and 2009 economic downturn. Demand growth in the transportation equipment and other market will see strong gains due to rising motor vehicle production, while demand in the residential building market will see similar growth because of rebounding housing markets in many countries.

For additional information, visit www.freedoniagroup.com.