The joinery market - France

Wood and PVC joinery work, codified under NAF code 43.32.A, encompasses all activities related to the design, manufacture and installation of structures made from these materials. These include doors, windows, staircases, custom-made furniture and a wide range of other products. It's worth noting that this sector is of vital importance to the construction and renovation industry, making a significant contribution to the functionality, aesthetics and energy efficiency of buildings. The major players in this sector include a diverse range of companies, from small local entities specializing in artisanal joinery to large national firms offering a complete range of products and services. It is essential to stress that the joinery market is extremely fragmented, with a multitude of operators spread across the whole of France, numbering over 20,000 companies and involving around 100,000 employees. These industry players use an extensive distribution network, with more than 80 players in addition to DIY superstores (GSB), enabling ubiquitous distribution of their products throughout the country. However, it should be noted that the joinery sector also has a trade deficit, which is worsening over the years, due to a significant increase in imports. The years 2022 and 2023 have been particularly challenging for players in this sector, due to the sharp rise in interest rates, the international real estate crisis, and the reduction in household purchasing power. Nonetheless, these players have managed to pass on the increase in their costs to final selling prices. All in all, the joinery market has enjoyed notable growth in recent years, although major challenges have weighed on its sales. Over the past two years, the sector's sales have risen sustainably thanks to a price effect as well as government regulatory incentives toencourage energy renovation, which has stimulated demand