The Swedish building materials trade experienced a 6.1% decrease in the second quarter, as reported by the Building Materials Index, which measures sales in comparable units and current prices. This decline continues the negative trend observed earlier in the year, though the rate of decline appears to be slowing.
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Monica Björk, CEO of the trade association Byggmaterialhandlarna, explained in an article on Dagens Handel that the ongoing reduction in new construction projects significantly impacts the trade.
Additionally, consumers have been cautious, likely due to the anticipation of lower interest rates and increased ROT deductions, which provide tax reductions for repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Despite the challenges, there is a sense that the market decline may be stabilising.
Source: www.dagenshandel.se