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[January 2010]
Vietnam Sourcing Report: Ceramic & Porcelain
The non-profit Kearny Alliance has released the 'Vietnam Sourcing Report: Ceramic & Porcelain' with the support of its partner in development Global Sources, to offer global buyers quality suppliers from Vietnam.
The Kearny Alliance is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) foundation that partners with other international organisations to further its mission of ‘Aid Through Trade’: advancing sustainable global prosperity through trade-related business education and training and applied research
Vietnam’s strong capability in terms of design and artistic quality has enabled it to become a major supply hub of ceramic and porcelain products. Models from the country blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary influences. The industry is supported by several craft villages located in different provinces. Through skilled artisans, these communities lend their styling expertise, which has been handed down across generations.
Readily available raw materials are another key benefit of sourcing from Vietnam. Several regions provide various types of clay, helping diversify the range of designs even more. Most suppliers featured in this report ship the bulk of their output to overseas destinations. The EU and the USA are the major markets, taking up more than two-thirds of total exports. Ceramics dominate as the top product line accounting for more than 60 percent of total output. This segment is divided almost equally between crafts, and table and cookware. Porcelain items make up almost two-fifths of total turnout.
The majority of ceramic and porcelain suppliers in Vietnam are small, locally owned enterprises. Most have more than a decade of experience, with a few having been in business for at least 30 years. Traditional production methods are still being used, although a growing number of companies are shifting to modern equipment. The village of Bat Trang in the city of Hanoi is considered as the chief supply centre for high quality products, which boast superior design and construction. Other important sourcing centres are the provinces of Hai Duong, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh and Binh Duong, all of which specialise in a particular finish or manufacturing technique.
Exports fell dramatically in 2009 due to the global economic crisis. Because of this, the industry is expecting to register its first contraction in five years. The following are some of the key trends reported by the study in Vietnam’s ceramic and porcelain industry:
- Suppliers are forecasting a better business climate in 2010, in anticipation of renewed demand as vital markets recover from the slump. As such, more than half of makers interviewed for this report are confident of registering double-digit export growth.
- Prices are expected to increase over the next six months in response to surging production costs. Almost 90 percent of featured suppliers will be pushing up quotes. Of this number, half will be raising prices by as much as 5 percent.
- Manufacturers consider intense price competition from other countries, especially China, Turkey and Portugal, as the most critical challenge affecting the industry.
- Design diversity, the line’s key strength, will continue to be emphasised. About half of interviewed suppliers have indicated focusing on models that feature colourful styles and intricate motifs. Almost a quarter will release multifunction items that serve both as table and cookware.
This report covers the main types of ceramic and porcelain products made in Vietnam, including vases, pots, jars, planters, flowerpots, garden ornaments, figurines, lamps, dishes, bowls, mugs, tea sets, pitchers, trays and serve ware.
The Products & Prices section details the features and price ranges of each key product category. It also includes the latest trends in style and materials. The Industry Overview discusses key issues affecting exporters and elaborates on the composition of the industry, highlighting key characteristics of different types of suppliers.
This particular report features:
- 15 in-depth company profiles
- 20 short company profiles
- 117 top-selling export products
- Supplier demographics
- Supplier survey
- Industry statistics and charts.
It runs to 93 pages and is available at a cost of $75 (digital version) or $100 (print version).
ENDS