Spanish Tile Exports Up Through June

Castellón, Spain, September 26, 2007—The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers Association said its sector exported to 176 different countries during the first six months of 2007, with sales valued at 1,204.7 million €, 8.3% up on 2006.  In volumes terms, however, sales were 1.5% down.

This growth in exports was driven primarily by the strong performance (+17.2%) of the European market, which accounts for 67.8% of all exports and saw significant growth in sales to the new EEC member countries (led by Romania) and to Eastern Europe.

Russia is now the fourth largest export market.  Within the EU-15, France has become firmly established as the leading destination for Spanish ceramic tiles and there has been strong growth in the Greek marketplace and in Italy, although growth in exports to the latter have grown slightly less strongly.  Figures for Africa are also positive at +16.7%.

The increase in sales in Europe offsets the significant shrinking of exports to the USA (-31%).  The decline in sales to the rest of the Americas has been slower, while exports to the Middle East have fallen back slightly.  Exports to the Far East and South East Asia rose 7.5%  during the period.