Hansgrohe Reports Slight Decline in 2025 Financial Results Germany: Hansgrohe Group reported total sales of EUR 1.375 billion (USD 1.48 billion) in 2025, reflecting a decline of 0.9 percent compared to EUR 1.387 billion (USD 1.49 billion) in 2024. When adjusted for currency effects, sales recorded a slight increase of 0.9 percent. Operating profit decreased to EUR 185.9 million (USD 200 million), while EBITDA declined to EUR 243.6 million (USD 262 million). Margins also fell,

Waterline Limited Enters Administration Following Failed Sale UK: Waterline Limited has entered administration and will be wound down after efforts to find a buyer were unsuccessful. Founded in 1947, the company experienced growth in 2021 and 2022 but later faced a decline due to reduced consumer spending on home improvements, rising interest rates, and cost-of-living pressures. For the year ending March 2024, the company reported an operating loss of GBP 2.2 million (USD 2.7

Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard Present Design Continuum at Milan Design Week Italy: Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard have collaborated to present “Design Continuum” at Milan Design Week 2026. Developed in partnership with Studio Elastique, the installation is intended as a platform to explore how design influences perception and sensory experience. The concept focuses on rethinking the bathroom as a space shaped by materials, technology, and user interaction rather than

GROHE SPA Transforms Milan Theatre into Immersive Water-Focused Installation Germany: GROHE has presented the “Aqua Sanctuary” installation at Milan Design Week 2026, transforming the Piccolo Teatro Studio Melato into a multisensory space within 72 hours. The installation reflects the brand’s concept of “Wellbeing through Water” and explores the relationship between water, architecture, and human experience. It presents the bathroom as a space that extends beyond functionalit

Byggmax Reports Decline in First-Quarter Turnover Sweden: Byggmax reported a decline in turnover in the first quarter of the year. Total turnover reached SEK 880 million (EUR 81 million), representing a decrease of 5.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. On a like-for-like basis, turnover also declined by 5.3 per cent, while currency effects had a negative impact of 0.7 per cent. In Sweden, turnover amounted to SEK 632 million (EUR 58 million), reflecting a declin

USA Housing Starts Rebound in March 2026 as Residential Construction Shows Broad-Based Growth Despite Cost Pressures USA: Residential construction activity in the United States recorded a strong recovery in March 2026, with total housing starts rising 10.8% month-on-month to 1.50 million units, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Growth was supported by both single-family homes, up 9.7%, and multifamily developments, which increased 13.3%. Compared with March 2025, starts we

Watsco US: Watsco Inc. reported revenue of US$1.53 billion for the first quarter of 2026, remaining broadly flat compared to the previous year, reflecting stabilising conditions in the HVAC distribution market. Gross profit stood at US$428 million, with operating income declining slightly to US$110 million, while net income reached approximately US$79 million. Earnings per share decreased to US$1.87, indicating marginal pressure on profitability despite steady pricing gains.

Daelim Bath South Korea: Daelim Bath reported that it has retained the leading position in the South Korean sanitaryware market for 23 consecutive years, with a market share of 61.8% based on annual shipment data released by the Korea Ceramics and Tile Industry Cooperative. This figure highlights the company’s dominant position, with its share being more than double that of the second-ranked competitor. The data serves as a key benchmark for assessing trends in the bathroom i

SCG Decor Thailand: SCG Décor Plc announced an investment of over 1.6 billion baht (approximately US$48 million) to enhance production capabilities across Thailand and Vietnam as part of its regional optimisation strategy. The investment focuses on expanding glazed porcelain tile production capacity in Vietnam and improving manufacturing efficiency in Thailand. In Vietnam, funds are being directed toward increasing capacity at the PRIME production base to support both domesti

LG Electronics South Korea: LG Electronics Inc. reported consolidated revenue of 23.73 trillion won (approximately US$16 billion) and operating profit of 1.67 trillion won (approximately US$1.12 billion) for the first quarter of 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 4.3% in revenue and 32.9% in operating profit. The company recorded its highest-ever first-quarter revenue, supported by stable growth in core businesses and expansion in business-to-business segments, particul

Amazon India: Rising temperatures across India have led to increased demand for compact and energy-efficient air conditioners, particularly 1-tonne inverter models suited for small rooms and offices. Online discounts offered by platforms such as Amazon have made these systems more accessible to budget-conscious consumers, supporting higher adoption during the summer season. These units are designed to deliver stable cooling while reducing energy consumption through inverter t

Somany Ceramics India: Somany Ceramics Ltd has unveiled a new brand identity, marking a shift in its positioning from a traditional tile manufacturer to a broader home and building solutions provider. The updated identity reflects the company’s evolution over more than five decades and aligns with its expanding portfolio across tiles, bathware, and related product segments. The rebranding will be implemented across retail outlets, packaging, communication platforms, and digit

SCG Decor Thailand: SCG Décor Plc announced plans to shut down two ceramic tile plants in Thailand as part of efforts to address rising production costs and weaker market conditions. The closures are expected to take place within 2026, reducing the company’s total number of tile factories in the country from four to two. The decision follows sustained pressure from higher energy costs, particularly natural gas, along with increasing logistics and raw material expenses, which

Air Conditioners India: Rising temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius across several parts of India have led to a sharp increase in demand for high-performance and heavy-duty air conditioners. Consumers are increasingly opting for models capable of operating efficiently under extreme climatic conditions, as standard units struggle to maintain cooling at such high temperatures. Online platforms have reported a surge in interest for these systems, reflecting a shift toward m

Haier China: Haier Smart Home Co Ltd reported revenue of 73.69 billion yuan (approximately US$10.7 billion) for the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a decline compared to the previous year amid softer demand conditions in key markets. Net profit attributable to shareholders reached 4.65 billion yuan (approximately US$0.67 billion), showing a sequential improvement compared to the previous quarter. The overall performance was influenced by weaker demand in North America and C

Mitsubishi Electric Japan: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation reported consolidated revenue of 5,894.7 billion yen (approximately US$36.71 billion) for fiscal year 2026, marking a 7% year-on-year increase supported by currency impact and pricing improvements. Operating profit reached 433.0 billion yen (approximately US$2.6 billion), while net profit attributable to shareholders rose to 407.7 billion yen (approximately US$2.53 billion), reflecting stronger profitability across ma

SCG Decor Thailand: SCG Décor Plc reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of 5.55 billion baht (approximately US$169 million), reflecting a 7% year-on-year decline due to weaker economic conditions in key markets and currency impacts. Despite lower revenue, profit attributable to shareholders increased by 14% to 247 million baht (approximately US$7.5 million), supported by cost control measures and operational efficiency. EBITDA stood at 780 million baht (approximately US$23.7 mi

Watsco US: Watsco Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Jackson Supply Company, a major HVAC distributor operating across the United States Sunbelt region. Jackson Supply recorded annual sales of US$230 million in 2025 and serves approximately 5,000 customers through a network of 25 locations across states, including Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Arizona. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, s

Middle East Crisis Middle East: The Middle East conflict has caused a major disruption in global natural gas markets, particularly due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for LNG shipments. This has removed nearly 20% of global LNG supply from the market, leading to a sharp tightening of supply conditions. Global LNG production declined by around 8% year on year, while exports from major producers such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates dr

Kenya Sanitaryware Factory Kenya: A new sanitary ware manufacturing facility has commenced operations in Kisumu County, following an investment of US$20 million. The plant, developed by Keda Ceramics, is the first sanitary ware factory in Kenya and the largest in East Africa, marking a significant step in the country’s industrial expansion. The facility is aligned with the government’s affordable housing initiative, which is driving demand for locally produced construction ma

Younger Generations Reshape Home Design Towards Functionality and Flexibility USA: Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are reshaping home design priorities towards functionality, adaptability and long-term usability, according to insights shared at the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. Influenced by financial pressures, housing instability and broader uncertainty, they prefer efficient and flexible spaces over large or decorative ones. Premium design is

U.S. Housing Market Adapts to Higher Rates as Affordability Pressures Persist USA: The housing market has not experienced the expected post-rate-hike reset, according to a report. Higher mortgage rates have cooled demand and increased supply, but they have not delivered significant price relief, leaving affordability under strain. Analysts suggest the market has instead adjusted to a new normal of higher borrowing costs, limited supply balance and persistently elevated prices

Demographic Trends Set to Drive Growth in Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation Market USA: The kitchen and bathroom renovation market is expected to grow in 2026, driven by several demographic and financial factors, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Record home equity, an ageing population and a strong focus on ageing-in-place upgrades are key drivers of demand. Older homeowners, who are less likely to move, are investing in long-term renovations such as access

Portugal Housing Market Slows While Prices Remain Elevated PORTUGAL: Portugal’s real estate market is witnessing slower activity, with transaction volumes moderating amid weaker demand and rising uncertainty. However, Portugal housing prices continue to increase as supply shortages remain a key market constraint. Limited housing availability is preventing the slowdown from easing pricing pressures, particularly across important market segments. Although construction activity