Nearly 3 million tons of flooring and wall coverings made from PVC were traded globally in 2014, up 11% from the prior year. Trade volume through June of 2015 was flat with last year, based on reporting countries.  Global trade volume is an indicator of global demand.   

China is, by far, the world’s largest exporter of these fabricated products made from PVC. Shipments in 2014 totaled 1.4 million tons, up 24%, noting an upward trend in exports since at least 2010, new record highs during 2014, and again in May and June of 2015.

Shipments to the US and Canada accounted for about 45% of China’s total in 2014 and through June of 2015. The remainder was exported to numerous markets spread over the globe, the top regional export destinations after North America being Western Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

South Korea was also a large exporter of PVC floor and wall coverings, along with several Western European countries.

Leading volume and growth import markets in 2014 included Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, US, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, India, Myanmar, Singapore, North Korea and Australia.

Although imports through June 2015 were up in Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East, these gains were offset by a drop in imports into North America, resulting in no change in global volume versus the prior year.

From International Trader Publication’s:  PVC Floor and Wall Coverings World Trade Report