Euro imports slump continues
Latest data shows European imports into the UK were down by up to 30% against a background of rising cost prices while Turkey enjoyed enhanced sales.
According to HMRC trade data compiled by The Furnishing Report, the total volume of imports into the UK in March declined 17% year-on-year, but their value was up 8.5% to £92m, showing the impact of supplier price inflation in the market right now.
Analysing our two key European trading partners for flooring, the volume of Belgian carpet imports fell 30.2% in March and its value was down 12.1% – a marked contrast to the country's performance in January when the figures bounced up a full third on last year's performance.
For the Netherlands, volumes were less impacted but still 17% down while their value actully increased substantially by 30.1%
Turkey showed a positive performace on both measures with volumes up 8.2% and sales values up 10.5% to £11.6m for the month.



