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[January 2006]
Sales Decline in Italian Tiles in 2005
The preliminary survey by Assopiastrelle (the Italian ceramic tile producers' association) showed 2005 as a year in decline. Total sales settled out at slightly over 570 million sq.m., recording a drop of 3% resulting from a reduction in exports of 5% - currently corresponding to 390 million sq.m.
Export amounts in 2005 showed a drop of 2.5% in Eastern and Central Europe and 7.8% in 'the rest of the world'. Some positive signs emerged from Italian domestic sales which, in spite of some difficulties, maintained market shares. Another positive note was sounded by a rise in average sale price, made necessary by cost increases, which have been accepted by the market.
The rise in average sale prices, along with strict cost control measures, brought about improved typical profitability for large-size companies (turnover of over 40 million euro) that rose from 4.3% to 5.9%, while for smaller-sized business it reached 2.8%.
World consumption of ceramic tiles reached 7.4 billion sq.m. in 2005, thanks to 7.8% growth over the course of the year, in line with what took place in 2004. Some of the most dynamic areas, all with growth in the order of 9% to 10%, included China, Latin America, Eastern Europe and North America. The European Union showed more modest growth at around 1.7% while the Middle East and North Africa region increased consumption by 3.8%.
www.assopiastrelle.it
ENDS