Ceramic tiles

	Model Y96502P from Foshan Sanshui has designs that come in black, white, gray, beige and metallic colors. Sizes 300x600 and 300x300mm are available.

Dirt-resistant finishes and rustic surface patterns such as wood, stone, metal and fabric expand design selection.

China suppliers of ceramic tiles are highlighting aesthetics and user convenience.

Under efforts to meet demand for greater design selection, many are launching models that feature rustic surface patterns, including wood, stone, metal and fabric.

Stone- and woodlike products constitute the majority of releases. Metallic versions are priced one or two times higher than the others because of the more-expensive glaze applied, usually aluminum oxide. Models that resemble fabric target the low-end segment.

Makers are also introducing tiles similar to blue-and- white ware, or white ceramicware decorated under the glaze with blue pigment. These come mostly in mosaic form.

Rustic models account for about 30 percent of output. Half of the line is exported, with Italy and Spain as the key markets.

To boost user-friendliness, several such designs are being coated with a polished finish. The treatment allows for greater dust resistance and easier cleaning than a matte or rough surface covering. This adds 20 to 30 percent on prices.

In the polished ceramic tile category, a thin, fast-drying and water-repellent membrane is incorporated in the latest selection for more protection against dirt.

Suppliers are also offering models with 800x800 and 1,000x1,000mm dimensions. An estimated 30 percent of output and exports consist of these designs.

Because they are larger, such products cover a wider area than regular-sized tiles, thereby reducing the number of blocks required in installation. They also create more- orderly floor or wall cladding, as there are fewer boundary lines.

Polished, glazed and rustic models constitute China’s selection of ceramic tiles. In terms of structure, designs can come as a single block or mosaic. Price and market positioning depend primarily on the manufacturing technology and the surface pattern.

Polished tiles make up the bulk of output and exports in the line because their applications go beyond basic bathroom and kitchen floor covering.

Suitable for interior and exterior installation, most models have a water absorption rating of less than 0.5 percent. The property, which determines the thermal expansion and contraction range, enables products to withstand ambient temperature changes, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight and freeze/thaw zones.

Glazed and rustic designs are suitable for both floor and wall cladding, while mosaic tiles are for the latter.

Measuring 300x300mm, low-end rustic models have a fabric surface pattern and a water absorption rating of 3 to 6 percent. These come in light colors.

Midrange products are mostly 600x600mm in size and resemble wood or stone. They feature a water absorption grade of less than 1 percent.

Similar in appearance to metal, high-end versions can be 600x600, 800x800mm or even larger. Some have a polished finish. The water absorption rating is also less than 1 percent.

Mosaic tiles target the midrange and high end. Prices start at $4.50 per square meter. Models bear a plant, animal or specially designed image on the surface. Individual blocks measure 1.5x1.5, 2x2.4 and 2.5x2.5mm, and come in rectangular or square form.

Some versions, however, are oval-shaped. Such products from Jing De Zhen Q&T Tech Building Materials Co. Ltd resemble blue-and-white ware.

The supplier’s mosaic tiles cater to the high-end market and are priced more than $53 per square meter.

Regardless of the type and structure, designs for flooring mostly have a 600x600mm dimension, while versions suitable for wall cladding measure 300x300mm.

According to China makers interviewed for this report, product prices will remain at current levels in the next six months because of stable material costs.

Spending for argillaceous sandstone, and pottery and porcelain clay, for example, has been steady in past months. Suppliers expect this to remain so through the end of the year.

Pottery clay costs $150 to $370 per ton, depending on the sourcing location. The material, which is commonly used in creating glazed tiles, yield products with lower water absorption rating than models made of porcelain versions.

China’s annual output of ceramic tiles is approximately 3.6 billion square meters, which constitute 65 percent of world supply. About 30 percent of turnout is exported.

The EU is the primary destination, absorbing roughly 30 percent of shipments. Due to economic challenges, the country’s exports to the area have fallen 20 percent in the past six months.

Many suppliers, however, expect business to recover in the latter part of 2009.

Southeast Asia is the second-biggest importer, taking in 25 to 30 percent of shipments. Companies featured in this report said overseas sales there have been stable in recent months. Some even reported a slight increase.

Several makers will be strengthening their foothold in the Middle East, Africa, South America and Eastern Europe, particularly Russia.

China is home to more than 2,000 ceramic tile manufacturers, half of which are exporters.

About 40 percent of the supplier base runs midsize operations. Such companies can produce between 100,000 and 600,000 square meters each month. Most have factories with an area of 500,000sqm. Twenty to 30 specialists handle R&D, while 50 technicians are in charge of QC.

Roughly 30 percent of all China makers are small, yielding less than 100,000 square meters monthly. The factory size is below 100,000sqm. The R&D team is composed of nine employees at most, while the QC department has one to 19.

Large suppliers have a monthly output of more than 1 million square meters. Ceramic tiles are made in factories measuring 800,000sqm and above.

Guangdong province is the largest manufacturing hub with output exceeding 1.6 billion square meters annually. More than 90 percent of companies there are privately owned. All types of tiles are produced.

The province of Fujian is the second-largest, yielding 0.4 billion square meters each year. Makers in this location offer mainly glazed models, which are easier to create than polished designs.

Several ceramic tile companies are also based in Shandong and Jiangxi provinces. The former is favored for its abundant clay supply.

Shandong manufacturers target primarily the domestic market because of their inland location, which hampers export business.

Jiangxi makers offer primarily high-end products. Many are based Jingde town. Most mosaic models from the area feature motifs that replicate the look of blue-and-white ware.