China was the largest exporter with 26% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Soft covering flooring covers carpet, rugs, vinyl and other flexible floor finishes laid over a subfloor. Buyers are builders, interior contractors, and commercial and residential property owners.
Typical segments
- Broadloom carpet
- Carpet tiles
- Vinyl sheet and tile
- Rubber flooring
- Area rugs
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 2% from 2022 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
- India is gaining ground: its exports rose 63% from 2022 to 2024, the fastest among the ten largest exporters.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of carpets and other floor coverings, of man-made textile materials, tufted "needle punched" (HS 570339), the trade category that includes soft covering flooring, were worth $2.52 billion in 2024. | 2.52 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 2% higher in 2024 than in 2022 ($2.47 billion), calculated from the annual totals. | +2 % since 2022 | 2024 | |
| China was the largest exporter in 2024, with 26% of world exports ($646.9 million). | 26 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, China, Turkey and the Netherlands, shipped 56% of world exports in 2024. | 56 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $418.0 million, or 17% of world imports. | 17 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 43 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 43 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $3.15 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 3.15 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 799.9 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 799.9 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Among the ten largest exporters, India grew fastest, with exports up 63% from 2022 to 2024. | +63 % since 2022 | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Flooring contractors
- Property developers
- Facility owners
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
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- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global soft covering flooring market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 570339 reached $2.52 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most soft covering flooring?
China led world exports in 2024 with 26% of the total, followed by Turkey, the Netherlands and India.
Which countries import the most soft covering flooring?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Is world trade in soft covering flooring growing?
World exports were 2% higher in 2024 than in 2022.
What is the average export price of soft covering flooring?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $3.15 per kilogram in 2024.
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