Rising energy costs and an increased average price of tile products spurred a boost in sales growth for Spanish tile in 2022, according to Vicente Nomdedeu, president of The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers' Association (ASCER). 

Sales rose 16.2% up to 5.5 billion eros [U.S. $5.95 billion]. Exports from 185 countries represented 77% of total sales and reached 4.2 billion euros [ U.S. $4.59 billion] (+16.6%), a new sector record. Exports to the United States, which ranks first on the list of Tile of Spain’s export markets, rose 15% to €516 million [U.S. $554 million] in 2022. European market growth rose by 15% and is estimated to reach €1.265 million [ U.S. $1.36 million] by the close of 2022.

“The increase in turnover is mainly due to the increase in the average price of the products that companies have applied to try to absorb part of the increase in production costs (basically of energy)," Nomdedeu said. "2022 has been greatly influenced by the energy crisis and the impact of the cost of gas on companies has been significant."

By regions, Europe remained the tile sector’s largest market between accounting for 50,5% of all exports. Among the ten main destinations, six are European: France (482 million euros +21%), UK (255 million euros, +27%), Italy (194 million euros +41%), Germany (172 million euros +31%), Portugal (117 million euros, +33%) and Belgium (104 million euros, +34%). They all registered positive growth rates in value but not the same in volume (square meters). 

Despite the fact that the foreign sales figures in value show positive results, the demand in some important markets suffers due to the rise in prices and the inflationary situation.

Nomdedeu said he was cautious on his 2023 outlook due to the uncertainties caused by the energetic crisis and Ukraine war.

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