The ceramics industry, which exported $1.5 billion last year, aims to increase this figure to $2 billion in 2024.
According to the statement made by the Turkish Ceramics Federation, the tight monetary policies implemented against high inflation throughout 2023 have negatively affected global trade and export markets.
Turkiye’s export performance also slowed down under these conditions. The earthquake in February, the election process in May, and the decrease in the number of working days in April and June limited exports.
Last year, the sector’s total exports were $1.5 billion. According to the study prepared by the Federation, the biggest contribution to exports from sub-sectors came from construction ceramics. Construction ceramics exports amounted to $946 million in 2023. Exports of ceramic coating materials decreased to $634 million, and exports of ceramic sanitary ware decreased to $312 million.
“The sector continues to maintain its leadership”
Ilter Yurtbay, President of the Turkish Ceramics Federation, whose views were included in the statement, emphasized that the Turkish ceramics industry is an important player in the world.
Noting that despite all the negativities experienced in Turkiye and the world, the ceramic industry, which produces with domestic resources and stands out in exports, continues to provide added value to the country’s economy and maintain its leadership in exports, Yurtbay made the following evaluations:
“The total exports of our industry amounted to $1.5 billion in 2023. In the breakdown, we can see $650 million as tiles, $350 million as sanitaryware, $200 million as porcelain, $200 million as refractory and $100 million as other products. We want Turkish ceramics to take a permanent place in the reshaped world market and supply chain in 2024, when we aim to export approximately $2 billion.”
Yurtbay pointed out the continuity in exports and said, “One of the most important reasons why we can export so well today is that we have extremely modern production facilities and our motivation to continue producing under all conditions. We will continue to grow stronger in the countries we export to, especially the American market, and increase net foreign exchange inflow with our high domestic value added rate.”
Source: AA / Prepared by Irem Yildiz