The carpet sector in Flanders is suffering the effects of the economic downturn more severely than most other industries, according to a report in De Standaard. The once-flourishing industry, based mainly in West Flanders, was traditionally heavily dependent on the British market, where most homes are fitted with wall-to-wall carpets. But the collapse in the British property market has led to a sharp drop in orders. Coupled with the fall in the value of the pound and stiff competition from Turkey, this has led to a major crisis in West Flanders.