Socioeconomic status:
After a weak first half of the year, the U.S.A. began to pick up speed in the second half of 2013. This is thanks to the housing recovery, the deleveraging of the private sector, growing employment rates and fiscal improvements. The Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policy has conditioned global economic developments until its ultimate relaxation at the end of the year.
Business developments and prospects:
The Group’s presence in the United States is geared toward the ceramic tile business, which in 2013 implemented a business plan focused on obtaining higher margins and ROI. We have also successfully expanded our customer base by working with small distributors in the range of the five chains the Group works with. Additionally, we have developed the DIY segment, of great importance in the United States, and have placed our products in all the major home center chains.
Relevant facts:
• Increased presence in home centers (DIY channel)