The Italian tile industry's black 2009

The Italian ceramic industry reported substantial losses in 2009. According to the Confindustria Ceramica National Statistical Survey, production fell by 28.2% to 368 million sq.m and sales by 19.3% to 408.4 million sq.m.

In response to these falls, the Italian companies are implementing major reorganisation processes such as reducing warehouse stock, combining production activities and focusing on costs. However, the investment index remained at 4.9% of turnover (220.7 million euro) and employment fell by just 7% due to greater usage of social shock-absorbers.

Turnover slumped by a billion euro to reach 4,508 million euro, 18.3% down on 2008. Domestic sales amounted to 1,253 million euro (-14.9%) and exports 3,255 million euro (-19.5%).

The 1.29% increase in average price (0.79% in Italy and 1.78% abroad) is significant considering the exceptional nature of last year's economic situation.

The structure of the sector

There were a total of 181 Italian ceramic tile companies in business on 31 December 2009, 14 fewer than in 2008, with a workforce of 24,595 (-6.71%). There were 273 factories (17 fewer than in 2008) and 508 kilns.