China Laminate Flooring Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2022 - 2027)

China's laminate flooring sales are stimulated by a combination of positive factors. With the better standard of living and the people's desire for elegant life, laminate flooring sees a rising share in the flooring industry of China.

COVID-19 has disrupted the global supply chain of the major products. China is one of the largest consumers and producers and also caters to a wide range of countries by exporting several input supplies that are essentially used to produce laminate flooring finished goods. Shut down of the production in China has forced suffered a huge loss. This is leading to the increase in the supply and demand gap and the product market. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the market has been under pressure from mid-February 2020, which restricted the construction of housing and building projects, and the lockdown restrictions have forced to stop manufacturing of laminate flooring products which resulted in a decline in the overall China market.

Laminate flooring refers to a multi-layer synthetic flooring product that is made up of the wear, design, core, and back layers sealed together using the lamination process. The upper layer usually comprises melamine and aluminum oxide that aid in providing the laminate board a scratch and moisture-resistant surface. In comparison to engineered wood, solid hardwood, and stone floor coverings, laminate flooring is inexpensive and easy to install as well as maintain. As it is available in varying widths, lengths, and thicknesses and can replicate different surfaces, including wood, stones, and tiles, the demand for laminate flooring is increasing across China. Laminate wood flooring is the mainstay of the wood flooring industry in China. Over two decades of development, a complete system has been developed in the Chinese laminate flooring industry, making the country be one of the major producers and consumers of laminate flooring. The demand for laminate flooring can be due to numerous factors. One of the major factors is the rapid growth of the construction industry. Urbanization, industrialization, and changing lifestyles have resulted in an increase in construction activities in emerging countries like China. Several initiatives are taking place for the revival and restoration of different educational and public buildings, thus boosting the sales of laminated flooring. Rising environmental concerns towards the usage of timber and new technological innovations will continue to spur the demand in the upcoming years. The Flooring manufacturing sector is one of the sectors that is bearing the toughest brunt of COVID-19 for more than a year, and manufacturers were stranded on raw material orders due to a major effect on the logistics industry due to the lockdowns. All these factors are limiting the laminate flooring industry growth during the pandemic.

Key Market Trends

The Residential Segment Occupied a Major Share of the Market

The residential segment of China's laminate wood flooring market has been occupying a major share of the market, with the changing consumer dynamics. The manufacturer's ability to recreate the realism of hardwood with laminate has allowed end-users to enjoy the classic look of wood with more durability and often at a lower price point. While wood grain looks, in general, continue to be the most popular laminate design across the board. The number of customers who opt for laminate wood flooring is increasing owing to advantages such as its thermal capabilities and adaptability according to temperature, ease of installation, cleanliness, and maintenance for a longer time, and the aesthetic richness that the flooring offers. The aesthetic feature has expanded its market share to the exterior application as well.

Manufacturer Owned Stores are the Most Preferred Distribution Channel

Laminate flooring can be purchased from retail stores and even the internet, but there are no buying groups or home centers promoting laminate flooring in China. The majority of retail stores are owned by laminate flooring manufacturers who also install and service the floor. The retail channel in China is very fragmented, with the 50 largest retailers accounting for less than 5% of the total market. When it comes to purchasing laminate flooring, there are a number of retail options available in the country. A major factor affecting where flooring is purchased is that flooring is considered a building material, not a home decoration, and is often grouped with plumbing fixtures and lighting. Laminate flooring manufacturer-owned stores and home products/design malls are the largest retail outlets for flooring in China. Manufacturer stores can be stand-alone units or showrooms located within large, multi-story structures where other home products, such as plumbing and lighting fixtures, are sold. These are the most preferred channels for the purchase of flooring products in the country.

Competitive Landscape

The report covers major international players operating in the Chinese laminate flooring market. In terms of market share, a few of the major players currently dominate the market. However, with technological advancements and product innovations, mid-size to smaller companies are increasing their market presence by securing new contracts and tapping new markets.

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• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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