Where is the way of building ceramic tile industry
2025-07-05 09:12:11
In the first three quarters of 2012, China’s ceramic tile production reached 6.812 billion square meters, reflecting a 1.4% year-on-year increase. By December 29, during the second session of the Ceramics Society, Yu Bin, the Secretary-General of the China Building Sanitary Ceramics Association, revealed that production for the first 11 months of the year had already surpassed 8 billion square meters, with an estimated growth of 2–3%.
2012 marked the start of a transitional phase for China’s architectural ceramics industry, shifting from high-speed to more sustainable growth. This period is expected to last several years rather than just one. As a result, the projected growth for 2012 was expected to be below 5%. Although full-year data wasn’t finalized yet, the author’s previous outlook had been fairly accurate. Looking ahead to 2013, the core perspective remained unchanged: the industry was entering a smooth transition from rapid development into a more balanced stage.
Where is the Chinese ceramic tile industry heading in 2013?
The overall economic situation remains the key factor influencing the industry. In 2013, the environment was described as “neither bad nor good.†Ongoing real estate regulations and a surplus in ceramic tile supply posed challenges, while slow economic recovery in Europe and the U.S. added pressure. However, the new government emphasized urbanization as a major driver of future economic growth. With relatively loose monetary policy and signs of improvement in real estate transactions, the international competitiveness of Chinese ceramic tiles remained strong.
Considering these factors, the author believes the overall condition of the ceramic tile industry in 2013 will be similar to 2012, with slight improvements at the macro level due to the new administration’s policies. It is expected that 2013 will be a year of moderate growth, with production increasing by around 5%.
In the first three quarters of 2012, China exported 796 million square meters of ceramic tiles, up 7.8% year-on-year, with export value reaching $4.338 billion, a 29% increase. For 2013, exports are expected to continue growing. The cost-effectiveness and global competitiveness of Chinese ceramic products remain strong, and despite trade barriers such as anti-dumping measures, demand abroad has been steadily rising. It is estimated that 2013 exports will exceed 1.1 billion square meters, representing a 10% increase and accounting for about 12% of total output.
Quality improvements are also on the rise in 2013. Radioactivity failures in national and provincial quality inspections are expected to be virtually eliminated, with only a few cases reported in recent years. Additionally, the minimum marking standards for products are being strictly enforced.
In 2013, sales through engineering channels and third- and fourth-tier markets will become increasingly important. The pyramid-shaped consumer base in China continues to shape ceramic tile sales. Marketing strategies will see a shift toward channel integration, flattening of distribution networks, and the blending of branch and agency systems. Supermarkets and hypermarkets for building materials are expanding, and e-commerce (B2C) is being tested. At the same time, marketing costs are steadily rising.
New product innovation has become a common goal across the industry. Inkjet printing technology remains the most significant equipment upgrade in 2013, with an estimated 800 additional machines expected to be installed. The application of inkjet printing is becoming more specialized, with dedicated equipment for different tile types such as glazed tiles, antique tiles, microcrystalline stones, exterior wall tiles, and trim elements. Meanwhile, the localization of ceramic inks is progressing rapidly, leading to lower prices.
With the upcoming release of the “thin ceramic tile†industry standard, the trend toward thinner tiles is accelerating. Research and development focused on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and waste utilization will gain momentum. Moreover, stricter requirements for occupational health, safety, and social responsibility will push companies to invest further in sustainable practices.
The road ahead may be challenging, but the future of China’s ceramic tile industry looks promising.
Solar Street Light,Outdoor Solar Street Lights,Solar Light,Solar Street Lamp
China Searun Solar Solution Co., Ltd. , https://www.srsolarlights.com