Continuing on with our series about anticipating
DOMOTEX 2010 and the opportunities for flooring, here is a report on
Russia that Catherine Meyer from the U.S. Commercial Service shares with us courtesy of her colleague
Valeria Khalina.
As Catherine explains, Russia is an interesting market because many DIY stores are opening there (10 in the 1st half of 2009 and another 214 are in planning) as well as in Poland (24 in 1st half of 2009 and 11 in planning).
Furthermore, German and French DIY companies are expanding into Eastern Europe.
According to statistics, many DIYs are being planned for Romania. Unfortunately, this report is only in German, but if you have an interest, let us know and Catherine can bring some information to Domotex.
If you are interesting in DIYs, be sure to contact Jim Gould know so you can take part in the
German DIY tour he is organizing for North American VIP Delegates.
Opportunities in Russia
(Note: a full length report will be available to U.S. firms at Domotex)
The market for building products was actively developing until the fall of 2008, growing at an average of 20-25% per year, when the global financial crisis arrived in the Russian market. One of the industries that was heavily impacted by the crisis was the construction industry. The market for building products is very dependent on the overall construction activity in the country. Therefore, when there was a drop in the rate of construction, the demand for building products and materials dropped as well, causing the building products market to stagnate. Experts predict the market for building products to resume its growth in 2011.
Floor coverings
In this industry segment before the financial crisis, experts were forecasting steady growth. The most popular product in this segment is linoleum. It accounted for 61.4% of the market in 2008. The total market volume in 2008 was 272. 8 million square meters out which 128.6 million square meters was produced locally and 161.5 square meters was imported. The local Russian market is heavily dominated by a German company called Tarkett, which has a production facility in Samara. They manufacture 80% of all linoleum sold in Russia. In 2009, it is expected that the market volume will considerably decrease given the continuing financial situation.
The other popular product that is used for floors is ceramic tiles (22.5% of the market). The total market volume in 2008 was 102 million square meters out which 73.8 square meters was produced locally and 34.6 square meters was imported. There are about 25 main local manufacturers of ceramic tiles in Russia. Experts also predict the decrease in market volume in this segment in 2009.
During recent years, laminate has become popular among Russian consumers (11.2% of the market). This segment was one of the most promising as its growth rate during the past several years was 40-50% per year. At the moment, imports of this product are higher than exports; however, experts predict that in a couple of years the market share of local manufacturers will reach 65% because of foreign manufacturers such as Kronospan and Swiss Krono Group. Both companies have production facilities in Russia.
Parquet is also becoming more popular in Russia (2% of the market). The total market volume in 2008 was 7.3 million square meters out of which 6.5 square meters was produced locally and 2.0 square meters was imported. Experts predict a small increase in 2009 market volume. Even though parquet boards are cheaper than piece parquet, its market share is only 30%. Before 2004, the main suppliers of parquet boards were foreign companies (65%). Over time, Russian manufacturers have become more aggressive and today they account for about 60% of the parquet board market. In the piece parquet segment, the Russian manufactures are dominating; however, imports are growing. In 2000, imported products took 5% of the market and in 2007 – 20%. This is related to the fact that floors made out of exotic woods are very popular among Russian consumers.
Other products (3% of the total market) such as synthetic carpet, carpet (from such natural fibers as wool), cork floors, etc. are also growing their presence in the Russian market, but at the moment are not as popular among consumers.
Best Prospects
Best prospects include parquet (especially from exotic woods), laminates and other flooring products that are not actively present in the Russian market. U.S. companies need to create an aggressive marketing campaign and introduce those products to the Russian consumer.
Potential Barriers
• Language: most communication is done in Russian.
• Distance from the United States
• Tough competition from European and Asian companies
• Possibility of corruption and bureaucracy in many areas of business
• Certification issues
• 18 % VAT plus high import taxes (vary from 15 to 20%)
For more information about doing business in Russia, please contact:
The U.S. Commercial Service, Moscow, Russia, via email at:
Valeria.Khalina@mail.doc.gov.
Or, visit our website:
http://www.buyusa.gov/russia/en/The U.S. Commercial Service — Your Global Business Partner
With its network of offices across the United States and in more than 80 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting
http://www.export.gov/eac.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this report is intended to be of assistance to U.S. exporters. While we make every effort to ensure its accuracy, neither the United States government nor any of its employees make any representation as to the accuracy or completeness of information in this or any other United States government document. Readers are advised to independently verify any information prior to reliance thereon. The information provided in this report does not constitute legal advice. The Commercial Service reference to or inclusion of material by a non-U.S. Government entity in this document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by the Commercial Service of the entity, its materials, or its products or services
International copyright, U.S. Department of Commerce, 2009. All rights reserved outside of the United States.Thank you, Catherine, for this report!
As it relates to DOMOTEX, the U.S. Commercial Service in Frankfurt is your contact for export assistance. Although each country has a trade specialist, the Frankfurt office - and Catherine Mayer - coordinates those offices. Catherine Mayer will be at DOMOTEX 2010 and scheduling meetings with American visitors and foreign buyers to promote the sale of American made products.
If you are attending DOMOTEX and want to benefit from the services provided by the US Department of Commerce, Commercial Services Division, please be sure to contact
Catherine Mayer,
Jim Gould or me to schedule an appointment. US DOC services include market research, introductions to foreign markets and guidance on how to do business in any specific foreign country.
~ RitaRita Dommermuth, Hannover Fairs USA
rita@hfusa.com - Tel: 562-901-9191
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In case you are at a different stage of planning for your trip to Hannover, listed below are contacts from the DOMOTEX HotelService. They can answer your specific questions and help make your stay in Hannover that much more enjoyable and productive.
