Economics and markets

Tile consumption in Africa will be close to 2 billion sq.m in 2028, 500 million sq.m more than 2023 levels.

According to forecast analyses by the MECS Research Center, tile consumption in Asia-Far East could rise to 10.8 billion sq.m in 2028 with an average annual growth of 1.8%. Production expected at 11.6 billion sq.m (CAGR +1.6%).

Total U.S. ceramic tile consumption in 2024 was 250.9 million sq.m, down 5.1% from the previous year. Imports fell by 3.5% to 179.4 million sq.m.

Canadian ceramic tile consumption last year was 31.8 million m2, up 1.8% from 2023.

In 2024 the U.S. residential construction decreased for the third consecutive year. Total new home starts were 1.36 million, down 3.9% on 2023. The outlook is negative also for the year 2025.

According to forecast analyses by the MECS Research Center, tile consumption in South America could reach 1,280 million sqm by 2028, with an average annual growth of 4.8%.

By 2030, the Indian construction sector is expected to account for 15% of the country’s GDP and employ more than 70 million people.

The MECS Research Centre has published the new forecast report entitled Ceramic Tile Market Forecast Analysis: TRENDS 2024-2028. Tile production and demand are set to recover gradually over the next five years, with projected annual growth rates of +2.2% and +2.5%, respectively.

Euroconstruct estimates a 2.4% decline for the construction activity in Europe in 2024, followed by a slight growth of just +0.6% in 2025.

Total tile sales reached 376 million sqm in 2024, a 1.9% increase over 2023 largely driven by exports. Production continued its downward trend with a 2% contraction.

Ceramic World Review updates the 2023 rankings of the world ceramic sanitaryware manufacturers by volumes of production. Roca, Kohler and Geberit confirm their leading positions. See who is next.

Acimac Research Dept. / MECS updates the yearly analysis of the world ceramic sanitaryware imports/exports flows. The figures confirm a second consecutive year of decline in 2023, a downturn observed in almost all geographical areas of production.

According to preliminary figures compiled by Mecs - Acimac Research Centre, Italian ceramic technology sector sales fell by 24% in 2024. Chairman Paolo Lamberti commented: “This result had been entirely expected and was caused by multiple factors. We are looking ahead to a recovery in 2026.”

ACIMAC research Dept/MECS anticipates to Ceramic World Review the key figures of the 12th edition of the annual report “World production and consumption of ceramic tiles”. In 2023 world tile production and consumption fell by 5.5% and 5% respectively. World tile import-export flows also saw a decrease, down 2.3% on 2022.

The luxury real estate market is expected to reach US $1,173 billion (+102%).

During the 97th Euroconstruct conference the new forecasts for the European construction sectors.

The recovery is driven by the Hotel and Living sectors.

Despite slower growth, the sector represented by Acimac recorded a small 0.9% year-on-year increase in 2023. Exports generated €1.72 billion. Chairman Paolo Lamberti commented: “Despite the challenging economic environment, the sector has continued its growth”.

The Chinese ceramic tile industry reversed the downward trend in 2023 with 6.2% year-on-year export growth.

The announcement by TCNA came on April 19th, right on the eve of the opening of Coverings.