Market Update for European Windows and Doors

In this information series, iBDC will be monitoring the market for European windows and doors in Europe, the United States, and Canada. The production and export data used for graphs in this section was derived from the European Commission database. We will release ongoing market updates as new data becomes available.

Window and Door Exports by Type – Europe to the United States

The visual above shows the growing trend of European window and door exports to the United States over the last ten years. Exports of finished products have grown across all material types, which includes aluminum, wood, plastic (PVC), and iron/steel. A strong construction sector, cutting-edge architectural requirements, and growing interest in energy efficiency have increased demand from American consumers for window and door products that fit those needs. European products, which offer distinctive designs and new technology, present effective solutions for changing consumer preferences in the U.S.

Window and Door Exports by Type – Europe to Canada

Window and door exports from Europe to Canada also followed an upward trend over the past decade, especially in the past five years. In fact, 2018-2019 export levels have grown to nearly six times that of 2008.  Although growth paused in 2019, the overall number of exports still proves significant movement of European windows and doors to the Canadian market, just as it has in the U.S.

Total Production Value and Production Quality of European Windows and Doors

Looking at the visual above, it is clear that the European market has remained stagnant from 2008 through 2019.  Over that entire eleven-year period, Europe has seen little overall growth in the production of windows and doors, across all product types, with the exception of plastic window and door production from 2014-2015. This insinuates that the European market is quite saturated, leaving little room for expansion and new sources of growth. To combat this, European manufacturers may need to rely on other markets, such as North America, for sustained momentum and new avenues of opportunities. In recent years, consumer demand in the U.S. and Canada has shifted from conventional windows and doors to high-efficiency versions that improve the thermal performance of buildings, thereby saving consumers and businesses on energy expenses. Other desirable characteristics of European windows and doors include enhanced aesthetics and functionality that are not found in traditional American products or hardware. These considerations have undoubtedly drawn consumers in the U.S. and Canada, fuelling the influx of European products to the North American market.