The Eurozone generally has had a difficult period with particular problems in Greece, Spain and Ireland, the latter two experiencing particularly severe downturns in their construction markets after strong housing booms during the last decade.
European Union – Electrical Wholesale Market – by Major Country 2009

However, 2010 is beginning to see some optimism, with Germany, France and the UK all experiencing some economic growth, and a more buoyant construction sector, which is helping to feed through into increased demand for electrical products.

In terms of the overall electrical wholesale market within the European Union countries (excluding recent accession counties), there are various estimates of market size.

Typical estimates are around €28-30billion (Euros), equivalent to around £25billion (Sterling) at mid-2010 exchange rates. This estimate represents a decline of at least 10%-15% across many EU markets, though others have suffered smaller declines.

The market size in Germany is estimated at more than €9 billion, with Sonepar the leading distributor.

In France, the market is now around €7billion, and is heavily dominated by Sonepar and Rexel.

There can be substantial variations in estimates of market size/mix by country for several key reasons:-

Variation in definitions of electrical wholesalers - some countries include TV/electrical appliance distributors, electronic components distributors etc

Range of products sold by electrical wholesalers - electrical appliances is a key sector of difference between countries within the overall distribution of electrical products - a major factor for the relatively low share in the UK

Variations in the relative significance of electrical wholesalers within the overall distribution of electrical products and role of competing channels

Some wholesaling companies include non-wholesaling activities within their operations

Forecasts during the next few years in the electrical wholesaling market indicate modest recovery at best in most West European markets, reflecting a combination of increases in new housebuilding levels, public sector works and a steady recovery in consumer spending feeding through into rising demand for electrical products.

New market opportunities are also emerging with the electrical sector adopting variable levels of involvement in renewable energy/heating technologies, which offers major growth opportunities, while IT/communications also continues to attract significant investment.

AMA Research's report Electrical Wholesale Market - Western Europe 2010-2014 reviews developments in Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, and is available in hard copy or electronic format for £775. It can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.