Flooring imports into the UK have inched up again but with vinyl showing a significantly stronger performance than carpet in a trend that has been consistent in recent months.
According to HM Revenue & Customs data compiled by The Furnishing Report, overall flooring imports in October was up just 0.7% but vinyl showed a positive push up more than 8% – half of those imports coming from China.
Meanwhile, the import of carpet into the UK showed its sixth month of decline with the October figures down 5.3% on the same month last year. However, carpet continues to be largest sector coming into the UK with a value of £79m that month, compared to £45m of vinyl.
Wood flooring has been enjoying a strong run on imports in recent months and October continued the trend with a rise of 12%.