The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers' Association (ASCER) revealed encouraging signs of industry stabilization during its international press conference at the Cevisama trade fair last week in Valencia, Spain. The event, supported by ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, attracted approximately one hundred international media representatives.

ASCER President Vicente Nomdedeu Lluesma presented provisional figures showing modest growth in production, domestic sales, and employment for 2024, despite a slight overall revenue decline. The sector recorded a total turnover of €4.819 billion [U.S. $5.24 billion], representing a marginal year-on-year decrease of 0.9%.

"A significant part of our business is generated in highly demanding markets, where customers seek products with high levels of innovation, design, and quality," Nomdedeu said. "These are mature markets that appreciate the added value of Spanish ceramics."

Export markets continue to dominate the industry's revenue stream, accounting for 72% of total sales. Spanish ceramic tiles reached 186 countries worldwide, generating €3.479 billion [U.S. $3.78 billion] in export revenue, though this represented a 2.4% decline from the previous year. In contrast, domestic sales showed encouraging growth of 3.1%, reaching €1.34 billion [U.S. $1.46 billion].

Europe remains the primary destination for Spanish ceramic exports, with six European countries ranking among the top 10 export markets and accounting for 51.1% of all exports (40.2% within the EU27). The United States maintained its position as the leading individual export market, with sales totaling €470.2 million [U.S. $511.4 million], or 13.5% of total exports.

Nomdedeu reinforced the message behind the industry's communication campaign "The Secret Ingredient," funded by the Generalitat Valenciana regional government: "Choosing Spanish ceramic tiles means opting for a material that meets the highest standards, produced with respect for the environment, people, ideas, and our customers. In Europe, we incorporate a secret ingredient that sets us apart and is not immediately visible: respect."

Industry analysts view the stabilization in 2024 as a positive sign following several challenging years marked by global supply chain disruptions and energy price fluctuations that particularly impacted manufacturing sectors.