Economics and markets

Exports account for 69.4% of total turnover. The industry is affected by the slowdown in global investment but maintains employment levels and technological leadership.

The outlook from the 101st EUROCONSTRUCT Conference for the European construction sector remains cautiously positive, but growth is forecast to be slower than previously expected.

The Italian ceramic industry closed 2025 with revenues of €7.5 billion, with 80% generated by the tile sector

A sharp downturn hit Chinese tile production in 2025, which fell below 5 billion sqm. Exports also slowed, while the internationalisation of the Chinese ceramic industry continues at a rapid pace, with production plants established in 27 countries across three continents.

The chairman of the Italian ceramic machinery manufacturers’ association expresses deep disappointment over the rejection of the European proposal on ETS.

A stark warning from the President of Confindustria Ceramica, calling on European decision-makers to change course on the ETS.

The European Commission’s new ETS benchmarks undermine the competitiveness and international market presence of the European ceramic industry, putting the sector’s very survival at risk.

At the traditional press conference held at Coverings 2026, the Tile Council of North America released the final figures for the U.S ceramic tile industry and market in 2025.

With the introduction of Decrees No. 2026/32 and 2026/09 issued by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, a new challenge has begun for exports of machinery and spare parts.

Based on available data from U.S. Dept. of Commerce and Tile Council of North America, U.S. ceramic tile consumption in 2025 was an estimated 240.3 million m2, down 4.2% from the previous year, with an estimated value of $3.8 billion. Through November 2025, U.S. ceramic tile imports were at 159.7 million m2 (-2.4%), with Spain and Italy leading the way.

Positive forecasts for 2025 (+4.1%) and steady moderate growth through 2029 (+4.2%).

Canadian tile consumption in 2025 is estimated at around 31.5 million m², down 1.1% compared to 2024.

In 2025 total U.S. housing starts were 1.34 million, down 1.7% on 2024, while the remodeling sector experienced growth.

Indian tile exports partially recovering in 2025. Production and consumption are expected to grow by 3.7% and 6.3% per year respectively over the 2025–2029 period.

Confindustria Ceramica’s preliminary 2025 figures put Italian tile production at an estimated 388 million sqm (+5% on 2024) and total sales at 386 million sqm (+2%). Exports are up while domestic sales are broadly stable.

In 2024, Roca, Kohler, Toto, Geberit and Villeroy & Boch maintained their positions as the multinational groups with the highest production volumes.

Acimac Research Dept. / MECS updates the yearly analysis of the world ceramic sanitaryware imports/exports flows. The figures confirm a 6.6% increase in 2024 to 3.72 million tonnes.

According to the preliminary figures compiled by the MECS – Acimac Research Centre, Italy’s ceramic machinery and equipment manufacturers are set to close 2025 with a smaller decline in turnover than originally forecast at the start of the year. Acimac’s Chairman Paolo Lamberti noted: “The market remains stagnant due to installed overcapacity and Asian competition.”

After two consecutive years of contraction, Europe’s construction sector is entering a phase of cautious stabilisation.

Ceramic World Review updates the ranking of the world’s largest tile manufacturing groups in 2024. Mohawk Industries, Lamosa, and Marco Polo lead the ranking.