Retail prices for laminate floorings are expected to increase by 5-8%. The EPLF European Producers of Laminate Flooring has observed this shift for some time now both among and outside its membership. The cause is due to the increasing cost of raw materials, which laminate flooring manufacturers have been forced to pass onto the trade. In addition, the cost of MDF sheets, paper, resins and glues, as well as energy and transport costs, has also increased. Added to these is the cost of licensing agreements, which are now applied across the board, as well as Germany’s planned increase in VAT at the start of 2007. (Source: Fordaq)