Ceramic Tiles - A Market with Favourable Prospects Over the Long Term

Lowered construction activity in the past few years has hurt international trade in ceramic tiles, but the long term outlook for the ceramic tile market appears positive on recent research of the International Trade Commission (ITC). Many new uses for tiles have been identified. Less developed countries may find themselves able to profit from tile marketing as production involves plentiful natural resources and low skill levels. Tile prices have fallen since 1981, but when housing starts to shoot upward tile prices will do so as well. Major product categories are setts and flags, which are analyzed according to use. Do-it-yourself installation of tiles has become more popular and created a special market for tools and training. Larger tiles, which are simpler to install, have become more popular. Architects, specifiers and contractors play an essential role in guiding consumer choice. Italy is the largest exporter of glazed tiles; Germany is foremost in unglazed tiles.