Articles
Dec. Housing Starts Declined 4.3% from Nov., But Rose 7.6% YOY
Privately‐owned housing starts in December were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,460,000, 4.3% below the revised November estimate of 1,525,000 but 7.6% above the December 2022 rate of 1,357,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Single‐family housing starts in December were at a rate of 1,027,000; this is 8.6% below the revised November figure of 1,124,000. The December rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 417,000. Read More
Freight Costs from China to Europe Rise Due to Red Sea Turmoil
Freight rates for containers from China to Europe are up thee times due to turmoil in the Red Sea, reports Container xChange. Read More
U.S. Ceramic Imports Declined 9.5% YOY in First 11 Months of 2023
In the first eleven months of 2023, total U.S. imports of ceramic tile were 170.8 million square meters, a decline of 9.5% from the same period in 2022 when imports were 188.7 million square meters, according to Grosser Consulting. Read More
The Many “Ifs” Leading to Floor Sales Recovery
Signs are pointing to the beginning of a U.S. floor coverings sales recovery. Catalina Research estimates U.S. square foot sales is projected to increase by 2.5 percent in the first quarter of 2024. Read More
The International Impact of Tile
Tile is truly a global flooring product. With so many vendors exploring fashion and technology, innovation in both look and composition enables a large scale appetite for the various new products from all around the world. Thanks to this continuing globalization, tile’s market reach is one that extends worldwide and remains robust and diversified. Read More
Tile’s Unwavering Ship Amid an Uncertain Economy
Tile companies are still reporting growth amidst lower category performance, thanks to strong business plans and product offerings, helping tile steer its way though economic hazards. Read More
Nov. New Home Sales Down 12.2% from Oct., But Up 1.4% YOY
Sales of new single‐family houses in November 2023 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 590,000, according to estimates released jointly by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 12.2% below the revised October rate of 672,000 but 1.4% above the November 2022 estimate of 582,000. Read More