FEIBP: July Update on European Brushware Industry

From a business perspective, the report says export markets are still disrupted, but the transport flow is gradually improving. In addition, all sub-sectors are showing signs of recovery and noted that Italy and Spain are coming back, catching up and showing more optimism. The report also offered the following notes on all of the sub-sectors:

Paintbrushes

• Disrupted import of paintbrushes from outside the EU brought customers back to domestic manufacturers.
• With more private renovation activities and continuing professional activities during the crisis, demand for paintbrushes increased.
• With DIY markets re-opened in countries like France and Belgium, there is unprecedented pressure on the production capacity.
• This is an excellent example of re-shoring, but will this development be sustainable after COVID-19?

Household brushes

• With the re-opening of important sectors such as hotels, restaurants and shops business turns back to normal.
• There are more rules and restrictions for cleaning and more demand for household brushes might be expected.

Technical brushes

• Overall a loss in turnover of minus 10-15% on average, but Italy was minus 25% through May 2020.
• Big industries such as automotive and steel are re-activated, but the recovery will be very slow and other industries have a long way to go.

Hygiene brushware

• Order catalogs are gradually expanding, with re-opening of hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops and the tourist sector. Retailers have to take care of stock.
• Business is turning back to normal, especially in the domestic market. Export markets have to recover.

Personal care

• It is expected that COVID-19 leads to an enormous decrease for articles in the beauty and personal care market.
• Hairbrushes are down minus 20%.

Learn more about the FEIBP by visiting www.eurobrush.com.