In 2005, the trend for increasing glass production in France changed course, according to the FCSIV. Flat glass production slowed in spite of continued orders from building trade markets. A -4% production setback is partly attributed to the stoppage of a float glass plant for much of the year.National production for flat glass in 2005 was 1.1m/t. Hollow glass production remained stable in terms of volume, but differences are recorded by sector. A negative trend in the bottle sector was reported, with falling consumption in wines and beers, however, exports of spirits and champagne are increasing. With regard to domestic glassware, foreign competition, particularly from Turkey and Indonesia has affected the export trade. The last French factory manufacturing CRT screens closed, the result of which means technical glass decreased by 58% as a whole in 2005, compared with 2004. Hollow glass held its own in 2005, with production rising from 4.1m/t to 4.2m/t.
