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[June 2005]
USA Tile Consumption Continues to Rise
American consumption of ceramic tiles is expected to grow by 6% per year until 2010. This huge jump in volumes - according to figures released by Tiles International-Ceramic World Web - continues to be fed by a steadily rising level of imports, which were up 11.5% in 2003 as well as local production also starting to increase its sales.
Final data for 2004 showed an increase of 3.5%, representing around 64.4 million sq.m. In 2004 internal consumption was 293.3 million sq.m., up 9.9% from 2003, the bulk of which was accounted for by floor tiles. Ceramic tile is now the third most popular flooring material in the USA with a market share of 11.2%. It follows carpet which holds 67.5% and vinyl with 13.8%.
Italy is maintaining its leadership status in the medium to high quality import bracket, with sq.m. prices rising by 12%.
ENDS