Ceramic Tile Consumption Up 9.9% in 2015, Says TCNA

Chicago, IL, April 19, 2016—2015 was strong year growth for the U.S. ceramic tile market with consumption at 2.74 billion square feet, up 9.9% compared to 2014’s 2.49 billion square feet rate, according to the Tile Council of North America.

Supported by gains in the construction and housing markets, as well as low interest rates and falling unemployment, ceramic tile consumption increased for the sixth consecutive year.

In 2015, 1.88 billion square feet of ceramic tile arrived in the U.S., a 9.9% increase from 2014 (1.71 billion square feet). Imports accounted for 68.7% of U.S. tile consumption (in square feet), unchanged from the previous year. Last year, China regained the position as largest exporter (in square feet) to the U.S. after Mexico held the top place in 2014. China’s share of U.S. imports was 29.0%, followed by Mexico with a 27.0% share of imports, and Italy with an 18.5% share. Spain and Turkey rounded out the top five with a 7.2% and 4.6% share of imports, respectively.

U.S. ceramic tile exports in 2015 were 40.7 million square feet, up 10.1% compared to 2014. The vast majority of these exports (in square feet) were to Canada (57.1%) and Mexico (18.8%).