Italian tiles remain export champions

The export market (68.7% of total turnover) generated more than double the turnover of the Italian domestic market (31.24%) . Nonetheless, in 2009 exports dropped by 20.9% in volume to 280.8 million sq.m and by 19.5% in value to 3,255 million euro, while the average price rose (+1.78%).

Sales to EU markets fell by 16.36% to 166 million sq.m. In the key markets of France and Germany sales fell respectively by 12.66% and 3.95%.

Exports outside Europe dropped to 114.8 million sq.m (-26.71% in volume and -25.88% in value). Likewise, sales fell in "other non-EU countries" (-28.47% in volume and -29.47% in value), largely due to the continued difficulties in Russia (falls of more than 40% in volumes and values but a small increase in average prices).

Exports fell by 33.09% by volume in the USA, by 20% in both Asia and Africa (although average prices increased) and by 25.25% in Australia and Oceania.

Internationalised Italian production hit by downturn

The crisis likewise impacted the markets of foreign companies controlled by Italian ceramic groups. As of 31 December 2009, a total of 19 foreign companies were entirely or partially owned by 9 Italian ceramic groups and employed 6,297 people (-9.73%). Italian production abroad totalled 108.7 million sq.m (-14%), of which 75.2% was in European countries (-18% in volume), the rest in the USA. Total sales amounted to 117.6 million sq.m (-10.6%), corresponding to a total turnover of 875.9 million euro (-13%).