Focus on Coverings, Italian tile industry takes centre stage on first day
Italy was confirmed market leader with a 26.9% share of domestic consumption in 2003, equivalent to 265.3 million square metres (8.1% up on the previous year). Italy’s exports to the US in 2003 rose by 7.5% in quantities and 15% in value over 2002. According to Assopiastrelle Chairman Sergio Sassi, “this demonstrates the outstanding popularity of Italian products amongst American consumers”.
The US market is performing strongly, building continues its driving role and even the unfavourable euro/dollar exchange rate - although to some extent impacting profitability - has not stopped the Italian companies, who have been able to adjust their prices without losing market share. Following Italy, the leading exporter countries are Spain with a 13.2% share of the US market, Brazil (10.2%) and Mexico (10.1%). Italy accounts for more than 50% of the total value of ceramic tile imports to the United States.
“It is a vital, strategic market,” confirmed Mr Sassi, “and the fact that tiles still account for just 10% of floor coverings compared to 50% in Europe makes us very optimistic for the future.”
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