The carpet and rug market - France

The fibers used in carpet design can be synthetic (polypropylene, polyester, polyamide, etc.) or natural (wool, sisal, sea rush, etc.). Carpet is then marketed as strips - large rolls - or tiles - carpet squares. [UFTM] The sector involves two major players: manufacturers and distributors. Their aim is to meet the needs of both private and professional customers (businesses, craftsmen, etc.). Some specialize in carpets and rugs, while others are positioned in a broader field (other floor coverings, DIY products, etc.). The global market for carpets and rugs is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% between now and 2030. North America and Asia-Pacific are the two geographic regions driving this growth. In France, the market plummeted during the Covid-19 crisis, and has been gradually recovering since. By 2023, however, it had not yet caught up with its 2019 level. The sector is highly dependent on its main customer sectors, particularly construction. However, the latter is going through a difficult period, with housing starts on the decline. The renovation segment, particularly energy-efficient, is proving more buoyant, but the decline in sales of older homes remains problematic. At the same time, carpets and rugs are also finding outlets in the hotel and automotive sectors, where the situation is less pessimistic. Finally, the appeal of home furnishings and interior decoration is a positive sign for the sector. The main manufacturers in France (Tarkett, Interface, Balsan, etc.) are modernizing their designs to dust off the image of carpet. Environmental innovations, such as recycling and the use of bio-sourced materials, are also playing an increasingly important role.