Ceramic industry pins its hopes on exports

With demand for ceramic tiles likely to be sluggish after demonetization, Morbi-based tile makers are looking to raise exports to offset possible losses on account of subdued domestic demand. To increase exports, around 200 makers of ceramic products from Morbi, the largest ceramic cluster in India, are planning to engage with several importers from overseas, who are participating in the Vibrant Ceramic Expo and Summit to be held from December 16 to December 18 in Ahmedabad.

“Although the summit was planned several months before demonetization was announced, the platform will now be used to increase exports as the domestic market is expected to be tough in the coming days,” said K G Kundariya, the president of Morbi Ceramic Association. “Almost all industrial sectors have been impacted by demonetization. We expect the demand for ceramic products to shrink in the months to come. If we increase exports, we will be able to offset domestic market losses.” With cost competitiveness and high quality, ceramic exports from India grew by 30% in 2015-16. Even in the first four months of the current fiscal (April-July) exports worth Rs 2,000 crore were registered. “Morbi alone accounts for 90% of ceramic products exports from India,” Kundariya said. “We expect exports to rise to Rs 6,000 crore in 2016-17.” Read more….