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Carpet imports reverse decline
February 14, 2023
Carpet imports have finally stopped falling with a December rally in the volumes, especially from the Netherlands.
Latest figures compiled by The Furnishing Report from HMRC data, showed volumes up 15% for December 2022 to 12m sq. m of carpets and rugs – reversing a 14% decline in November, which was itself the fourth consecutive month of decline last Autumn.
The Netherlands led the way with volumes up 22% in December and with the effect of continuing strong inflation, the value of those imports was up 47% on November.
Belgium continues to have problems follow a torrid time in 2022. December imports were still over 9% down in December, although inflation boosted value to show a 29% improvement.
In value terms and despite inflation, China was down 15% and India down 8%. Turkey was up nearly 10% but importers fear the impact of the devastating earthquake will take its toll on business this Spring.
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