Companies in the glass industry operating in Russia have raised float glass production to 152 million m2.
Despite the rapid growth of production of float glass, the market demand for glass constructions has fallen, according to the portal WINDOWS MEDIA with reference to the Federal State Statistics Service.
In Russia, volumes of float glass production in the seven months of this year increased by 9.6%. Structure of production by types of glass has not changed: the share of float glass was 96.2%, the safe – 3.1%, other species – less than 1%. The growth of consumer safety glass (laminated glass, tempered glass) was 8.4%, 9.7% mollirovannogo glass.
This situation is not related to the Russian domestic market glazing. This year, the flat glass production increased by 9.5% to 152 million m2 in comparison with the similar period of 2015 the volume of the float glass production increased by 9.6%, of safety glass – by 8.4%. Other types of glass is 9.7%. Share on types of glass production has remained the same: float glass – 96.2%, the safe – 3.1%, other species – less than 1%.
The situation on the window market
Glass manufacturing is growing, but the market for translucent constructions is declining. The lack of targeted strategies in the Russian economy and the “usual” wave of the crisis led to a decrease in household income, and as a consequence, reduced demand for glass constructions. For example, in the first half of the year, the plastic windows market fell by 14% in real terms compared with the same period in 2015.
The difference between the increase in glass production and glass constructions market fall is due to the fact that part of the float glass is exported. In connection with the currency crisis in Russia there was a sharp weakening of the ruble against the dollar and the euro. Therefore, the factor of flat glass production growth in the country is not affected by the fall in the market of plastic windows.