ASCER, the Spanish Association of Ceramic Wall and Floor Tile Manufacturers recently released its forecast for the 2018 year-end at its traditional international press conference at Cevisama. During his presentation, Vicente Nomdedeu, ASCER’s president, outlined the forecast for 2018 production, sales and export results, which reflect the strength of Spain’s industrial sector. He also offered an insight into future strategies and the challenges that lie ahead for the tile industry.
Production figures in the Spanish sector reached similar levels of those obtained in 2017, standing at 530 million m2, whilst overall sales growth looks set to rise by about 2% to a total of €3,600 million (~ $4,041 million). Almost three quarters of the total sales correspond to the 187 countries the industry exports to. Growth on the domestic market continued, rising by 7-8% and is estimated to reach €890 million (~$ 999 million) by the close of 2018. Exports in 2018 are expected to reach €2,710 million (~$ 3,044 million) (+1%), a new sector record, although it could have been higher if the trend registered during the first quarter of 2018 had continued.