Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “What is the State of the Tile and Ceramic Sector”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
The Spanish ceramic sector is primarily concentrated in the province of Castellón, with companies such as Porcelanosa. In total, ceramic and tile production employs 17,180 workers and generates around 500 million square meters per year.
Concentrated, Export-Oriented, and Specialized
Spain has a great tradition in ceramics and tiles. With specialized companies, most of them concentrated in Castellón, the sector is one of the most dynamic and has managed to position itself abroad, with a strong export capacity.
A Material on the Rise
Ceramics are booming for both construction and decoration/interior design. In the latter sense, ceramics have gained greater prominence in interior cladding, in line with the trend of returning to craftsmanship and manual work. During 2022, sales of Spanish tiles and ceramics reached 5.538 billion euros, representing an increase of 14.1% compared to the previous year. In the last year, the sector produced 500 million square meters, gaining relevance against other raw materials such as marble, carpet, or wood, which offer other solutions at a higher price. The experience and knowledge of Spanish ceramic and tile producers have positioned Spanish products with great relevance abroad. In fact, 77% of tile sales come from exports. Tile of Spain is the umbrella brand for Spanish ceramics, used to promote the sector at international events and trade fairs. The brand is applied strictly to Spanish ceramics, enhancing its value in terms of design, sustainability, and market appeal.
A Cluster in Castellón to Promote Sector Productivity
To support the tradition and experience of the Spanish sector, the Spanish Association of Tile and Ceramic Pavement Manufacturers (ASCER) was launched in 1977, which currently has more than one hundred associated companies. One of the main characteristics of the Spanish tile sector is the high geographical concentration of the industry in the province of Castellón, especially in the area bounded to the north by Alcora and Borriol, to the west by Onda, to the south by Nules, and to the east by Castellón de la Plana. Approximately 94% of national production originates in this province, where 80% of the sector's companies are located. Overall, Spanish ceramics and tiles generate a total of 17,000 direct jobs, with mostly small and medium-sized companies. As an exception, Porcelanosa positions itself as the largest company in the sector in Spain, with significant importance abroad. With half a century of history, the Porcelanosa group has different brands, collections, and series that combine technology and innovation. Roca is also another of the largest groups in the sector in Spain. The Catalan company, part of the Lamosa group, has more than a hundred years of history and is present in more than 170 countries. Under the Roca Tiles concept, the company uses materials such as porcelain stoneware, white body claddings, and finishes for bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and public spaces. Other ceramic and tile companies in Spain, but of smaller size, include Navarti, Tau Cerámica, or Natucer, all based in Castellón.
Future Challenges for the Sector
According to a report published by Solunion, how much and what to produce have been the two major challenges for companies in the sector in the last year. In this sense, high value-added products, such as large-format or the most innovative ones, have been prioritized, to the detriment of those with lower margins, such as red-body tiles. The document also highlights the trend of abandoning distant markets that provide little margin.
Cevisama 2023
To continue boosting its international character, Spanish ceramics actively participates in various fairs and events. Cevisama is the annual meeting held in Valencia to bring together the ceramic sector, bathroom equipment, and natural stone. The fair will reach its 40th edition in 2024, with the participation of more than 150 countries. Coverings, in Atlanta, is another event of great relevance for the sector. The fair is held annually in the United States and brings together the most important producers of ceramic tiles and natural stone.
Source: Read the original article | Published: October 19, 2023