Analysis of the U.S. LVP Flooring Market and Demand for SPC Flooring Imports from China

1. Understanding the U.S. LVP Flooring Market

In the United States, SPC flooring is commonly marketed under the broader category of LVP, which stands for Luxury Vinyl Plank. The term LVP is widely used by American flooring retailers, distributors, wholesalers, and consumers when referring to vinyl plank flooring.

However, LVP is not a specific core construction. It is a broader product category that includes different types of vinyl flooring, such as flexible LVT, SPC (Stone Plastic Composite), and WPC (Wood Plastic Composite).

For Chinese manufacturers looking to enter the U.S. market, understanding this terminology is important. American buyers may search for products using terms such as SPC Flooring, Rigid Core LVP, Rigid Core Vinyl Plank, Waterproof Vinyl Plank, and Luxury Vinyl Flooring.

Among these products, SPC has become an important part of the American residential flooring market because of its rigid core construction, waterproof properties, click-lock installation system, and competitive price positioning.

Therefore, when analyzing U.S. demand for Chinese SPC flooring, it is important to look beyond the keyword SPC and understand the wider LVP and rigid-core flooring market.

2. How Large Is the U.S. SPC and LVP Flooring Market?

The United States has long been one of the world’s largest flooring markets. Its demand comes from several major sectors:

• Residential new construction
• Home renovation and remodeling
• Independent flooring retailers
• Regional and national flooring distributors
• Commercial buildings
• Property management and multifamily housing projects
• Wholesale and private-label flooring brands

One of the most important developments in the American flooring industry over the past decade has been the rapid growth of resilient flooring, particularly LVT and rigid-core products.

According to Floor Covering News’ 2026 industry statistics, the U.S. resilient flooring category generated approximately $8.587 billion in sales in 2025. LVT accounted for approximately $7.424 billion, while rigid-core SPC and WPC products generated approximately $4.972 billion.

More specifically, residential SPC sales reached approximately $3.34 billion in 2025, representing around 70% of residential rigid-core sales by value. Residential SPC volume was approximately 2.11 billion square feet.

These figures demonstrate that SPC is not simply a low-cost alternative within the vinyl flooring category. It has developed into a major product segment with substantial demand across the American residential market.

However, the market is not growing uniformly. In 2025, residential demand remained under pressure from housing affordability and inflation, while commercial resilient flooring performed relatively better. Product mix and selling prices also influenced the industry’s total revenue.

For Chinese manufacturers, this means the opportunity remains significant, but success increasingly depends on product positioning, quality, and the ability to serve different customer segments.

3. Why Does the U.S. Market Continue to Import SPC Flooring?

The United States has its own flooring manufacturers, including well-established companies with domestic production facilities. However, domestic manufacturing does not eliminate the need for imports.

The American flooring market is large and diverse. No single manufacturing base can efficiently supply every product specification, price level, design, and customer requirement.

China has developed an extensive flooring manufacturing supply chain over many years. This includes raw material suppliers, core production, decorative film printing, wear layers, click-lock processing, packaging, machinery, accessories, and supporting services.

This industrial concentration creates several advantages:

1. A mature manufacturing supply chain

Chinese flooring factories can source a wide range of production materials and supporting components within a highly developed industrial network. This makes it easier to coordinate production, control costs, and develop different product specifications.

2. Flexible product customization

American importers often need more than standard flooring products. They may require specific thicknesses, wear layers, colors, surface textures, plank sizes, underlayments, packaging, and private-label branding.

Chinese factories have considerable experience providing OEM and customized manufacturing services for these requirements.

3. Production capacity and product variety

China has a large number of specialized flooring manufacturers with different production capabilities. Importers can source entry-level products, mainstream residential SPC, premium rigid-core flooring, herringbone designs, and extra-wide or extra-long planks.

4. Competitive manufacturing costs

China’s established industrial supply chain, manufacturing experience, and production scale can provide cost advantages. However, the final landed cost is no longer determined by the factory price alone.

For American buyers, the actual purchasing decision must consider product cost, tariffs, customs compliance, ocean freight, insurance, inland transportation, warehousing, and inventory costs.

This is why China remains an important manufacturing source, even as the economics of direct imports have become more complicated.

4. U.S. Domestic Manufacturing vs. Imports from China

American domestic SPC production has expanded significantly in recent years. Local production offers certain advantages, particularly shorter replenishment times, closer communication, and reduced exposure to some import-related uncertainties.

Nevertheless, domestic factories and overseas suppliers do not necessarily compete in exactly the same product segments.

Floor Daily’s May 2026 market analysis noted that domestic U.S. production is concentrated largely in the middle of the market. Entry-level SPC and certain higher-end products, including thicker constructions, ultra-wide and ultra-long formats, and enhanced surface designs, continue to rely heavily on Asian manufacturing.

This is an important observation for Chinese manufacturers.

It suggests that the opportunity is not necessarily to compete with American factories on every standard SPC specification. Instead, Chinese suppliers may have a stronger position in areas where product customization, manufacturing flexibility, production scale, and a wider selection of specifications matter.

For example, American buyers looking for the following products may still consider overseas manufacturing partners:

• 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, and 7mm SPC flooring
• SPC with attached IXPE or EVA underlay
• Extra-thick and large-format vinyl planks
• Herringbone and Chevron SPC flooring
• EIR and enhanced surface textures
• Customized colors and decorative patterns
• OEM and private-label flooring programs

The most competitive product is not always the cheapest one. It is the product that gives the buyer the right balance of quality, selling price, market positioning, and supply reliability.

5. How U.S. Tariffs Are Changing Chinese SPC Flooring Imports

Tariffs have become one of the most important factors affecting the relationship between American flooring importers and Chinese manufacturers.

For many years, China was a major sourcing destination for American flooring companies. However, the trade environment has changed, and importers must now consider the total cost of importing products from China.

The impact goes beyond the additional customs duty itself.

A buyer importing SPC flooring from China needs to consider:

• Applicable normal customs duties
• Additional country-specific tariffs and trade measures
• Customs classification and product origin
• Import compliance and documentation
• Ocean freight and port-related expenses
• Inland transportation and warehouse costs
• Potential changes in tariff policy during the purchasing cycle

One important detail is that additional trade measures are not necessarily included in the ordinary customs duty shown in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The U.S. International Trade Commission explains that antidumping and countervailing duties are separate from ordinary HTS duties and must be checked independently.

This is why buyers should not calculate the landed cost using the factory quotation and basic duty rate alone.

The Shift Away from China: A China Plus One Strategy

As trade uncertainty increased, many American importers began diversifying their sourcing arrangements.

Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, Cambodia, India, and other manufacturing locations have attracted greater attention from flooring buyers.

Floor Covering Weekly reported in September 2026 that Vietnam had become the leading source of imported flooring in terms of its contribution to total U.S. flooring supply. The same report indicated that China’s share of overall U.S. flooring supply had fallen substantially compared with 2018.

These figures cover the wider flooring industry rather than SPC alone, but they clearly illustrate the direction of supply-chain diversification.

For Chinese SPC manufacturers, this presents a real challenge.

Some buyers have moved their sourcing to other countries. Others have reduced their Chinese orders, negotiated different commercial terms, or increased local inventory to reduce exposure to trade uncertainty.

However, diversification does not mean that Chinese manufacturing has become irrelevant.

China still has an established industrial ecosystem, considerable production capacity, and extensive experience in OEM and private-label flooring manufacturing. The challenge is to identify buyers whose business models and landed-cost calculations still support sourcing from China.

6. A Change in U.S. Import Demand: What Do the 2026 Trade Figures Tell Us?

Trade statistics can provide useful clues about changes in sourcing patterns.

According to the export data we have reviewed for HS 39181090, covering January to August 2026, Canada ranked first among destinations for Chinese exports under the selected statistical category, while the United States ranked second.

This is a notable change compared with the previous pattern, when the United States had generally been a much stronger destination in the data we were monitoring.

There are several possible explanations:

• U.S. buyers have diversified their sourcing.
• Additional tariffs have changed the landed-cost calculation.
• Some orders have shifted to other manufacturing countries.
• Higher ocean freight costs have reduced the competitiveness of certain shipments.
• Importers have become more cautious about inventory and purchasing commitments.

However, customs figures must be interpreted carefully.

HS 39181090 is a broad trade classification and does not identify SPC flooring exclusively. It may cover other vinyl floor coverings. In addition, Chinese export statistics and U.S. import statistics can differ because of classification, country-of-origin rules, timing, and transshipment.

The U.S. tariff schedule also contains more specific statistical categories for vinyl flooring, including rigid solid polymer core products under HTS 3918.10.10.20.

Therefore, the January–August ranking should be treated as an important sourcing signal from the available Chinese export data, not as definitive proof that U.S. SPC consumption has fallen below Canada’s.

Nevertheless, it raises an important question for Chinese manufacturers: if the U.S. market remains so large, why are fewer buyers choosing to source directly from China?

The answer is increasingly related to the total cost and risk of importing, rather than a lack of demand for the product itself.

7. Ocean Freight: Another Important Factor in U.S. Sourcing Decisions

Tariffs are not the only challenge facing Chinese flooring exporters.

Ocean freight rates and shipping schedules can also have a considerable impact on the final cost of SPC flooring.

SPC flooring is a relatively heavy product, and international shipments are commonly arranged in full containers. Even a moderate increase in freight costs can influence the landed cost per square meter.

For American importers, several factors matter:

• Ocean freight rates from Chinese ports to U.S. destinations
• Availability of container space
• Vessel schedules and transit times
• Port congestion and possible delays
• Inland transportation from the arrival port
• Warehouse receiving and inventory costs

When freight rates increase, the factory’s original price advantage may become smaller.

This is particularly important for buyers operating on tight margins or purchasing large quantities for distribution.

In our own export business, we experienced this situation directly. In 2026, after five years of cooperation, we lost a long-term American customer.

The reasons were not limited to one issue. Tariff pressure, rising shipping costs, payment conditions, and the overall difficulty of maintaining competitive landed prices all contributed to the situation.

I believe many Chinese SPC manufacturers have experienced similar challenges.

Interestingly, after losing this customer, we did not feel the same level of regret that we might have felt several years earlier. It was not because we no longer valued the American market. Rather, the commercial environment had become increasingly difficult for both sides.

A successful business relationship should create value for the factory and the buyer. When tariffs, freight costs, payment conditions, and pricing pressure make cooperation difficult for both parties, it may be necessary to reconsider the business model.

8. Which U.S. Buyers Are Still Worth Targeting?

Despite the challenges, we continue to believe that the United States is an attractive market for Chinese SPC flooring manufacturers.

However, not every American buyer is necessarily the right customer for every Chinese factory.

In our experience, smaller and medium-sized importers, independent flooring retailers, and owner-operated flooring businesses can offer particularly interesting opportunities.

These customers often have different priorities from large national chains.

They may value:

Direct communication

Independent business owners are often directly involved in product selection, purchasing, and supplier negotiations. This can make communication more efficient and decisions faster.

OEM and private-label flexibility

Many independent flooring businesses want to develop their own brands or offer products that are different from those of nearby competitors.

A Chinese manufacturer can support these customers through customized colors, specifications, packaging, and private-label programs.

Flexible order arrangements

Depending on the factory’s production capacity and order requirements, smaller buyers may benefit from more flexible product combinations and purchasing arrangements.

Long-term supplier relationships

A smaller distributor or independent flooring retailer may not purchase the same volume as a national chain, but a stable relationship can generate repeat orders over many years.

For a manufacturer, these relationships can be valuable because they are often built on communication, product consistency, and mutual trust rather than price competition alone.

Of course, smaller customers also need proper credit assessment, clear payment terms, and realistic purchasing plans. Flexibility should not mean accepting unreasonable commercial risks.

9. Why OEM and Private Label Are Important for American Buyers

The U.S. flooring market is highly competitive. Retailers and distributors need ways to differentiate their product offerings.

Selling exactly the same products as every competitor can make it difficult to maintain margins.

This is where OEM and private-label manufacturing can create opportunities.

Instead of purchasing only standard products, American buyers can work directly with Chinese manufacturers to develop their own product ranges.

Possible customization options include:

• Product thickness and wear-layer specifications
• SPC core construction
• IXPE or EVA underlay options
• Plank dimensions and herringbone designs
• Surface embossing and EIR textures
• Color and decorative film selection
• Customized carton design and branding
• Private-label product documentation and marketing materials

For independent flooring retailers, this can help build a recognizable local brand.

For wholesalers and distributors, it can help create a more differentiated product portfolio.

For importers, it can also provide greater control over product specifications and packaging.

A factory with stable production capacity and a flexible OEM service system can therefore offer more than a competitive price. It can become a long-term manufacturing partner.

10. Is the U.S. Market Still Worth Investing In for Chinese SPC Manufacturers?

My answer is yes, but the approach needs to change.

The American market remains large, and SPC flooring continues to represent a significant part of the resilient flooring industry.

However, the sourcing environment is different from what it was several years ago.

Chinese manufacturers can no longer rely only on the traditional advantages of factory pricing and large production capacity. They need to understand the buyer’s complete landed cost, trade-policy exposure, product positioning, and inventory strategy.

For our company, the U.S. market is still attractive.

We have not made substantial investments in the United States through local advertising, field sales, trade shows, or a dedicated local sales network. Yet we remain interested in developing a stronger customer base there.

We particularly value cooperation with independent flooring retailers, small and medium-sized importers, and distributors who are directly involved in running their businesses.

These customers often allow us to communicate more efficiently, understand their actual requirements, customize products according to their needs, and build long-term relationships.

We are not trying to become the lowest-priced supplier in every situation. Our focus is on providing reliable quality, competitive factory-direct pricing, flexible OEM manufacturing, and practical cooperation.

For us, the right customer is not necessarily the one who places the largest first order. It is the one with whom both sides can build a stable and profitable business relationship.

11. What Should U.S. Buyers Consider When Importing SPC Flooring from China?

For American buyers still considering Chinese suppliers, the following points are worth evaluating before placing an order.

First, compare landed costs rather than factory prices.

A low FOB quotation does not automatically mean a low final cost. Buyers should calculate applicable duties, ocean freight, insurance, port charges, inland transportation, and other expenses.

Second, verify the manufacturer’s actual production capabilities.

Check whether the supplier operates its own production facilities, what specifications it can manufacture, and whether its production capacity matches the buyer’s requirements.

Third, evaluate product quality through samples and technical information.

Important details include core composition, thickness, wear layer, dimensional stability, locking performance, surface treatment, and applicable test reports.

Fourth, clarify customs classification and trade compliance.

Buyers should work with their customs brokers to confirm the correct U.S. HTS classification, country of origin, and all applicable trade measures before shipment.

Fifth, establish realistic payment and delivery terms.

Clear agreements on deposits, balance payments, production lead times, inspection, shipping schedules, and responsibility for delays can help prevent disputes.

Finally, look for a supplier interested in long-term cooperation.

A reliable manufacturing partner should be able to communicate openly, maintain consistent quality, and provide support when product or production issues arise.

Conclusion: The U.S. Market Is Changing, but Opportunities Remain

The U.S. LVP and SPC flooring market is still one of the most important opportunities for global flooring manufacturers.

The rapid development of rigid-core flooring, strong residential demand, established distribution networks, and continued interest in waterproof vinyl products provide a substantial market foundation.

At the same time, tariffs, freight costs, domestic manufacturing investment, and sourcing diversification are changing the way American companies purchase flooring.

For Chinese manufacturers, the question is no longer simply whether the United States needs SPC flooring from China.

The more important question is whether we can provide the right product, at the right total cost, with the right level of quality and service, to the right customer.

At HS Flooring, we believe there is still room for long-term cooperation between Chinese manufacturers and American flooring businesses.

We welcome U.S. importers, wholesalers, distributors, independent flooring retailers, and private-label brands looking for a reliable SPC flooring manufacturing partner in China.

Whether you need standard SPC flooring, premium rigid-core LVP, extra-thick planks, customized designs, or OEM and private-label production, we are ready to discuss your requirements.

Good business is not just about buying at the lowest price. It is about finding a manufacturing partner who can help your business grow sustainably.