To perform any task correctly and appropriately, it is not only necessary to learn the rules of that task and follow a set of basic principles, but also to master and show sensitivity to the smallest details of the subject. Especially when it comes to trade, particularly in the international arena, everything is so influenced by complex variables affecting the global economy and trade relations that there is no room for any uncalculated moves for those involved in the export sector. In these discussions, which are prepared and compiled on the topic of tile and ceramic exports, we aim to briefly explain the reasons (attractions, reasons, potentials, prospects, etc.) and the methods (laws, methods, statistics, export destinations, etc.) of tile and ceramic exports for you
.First, we need to explain why tile and ceramic exports are so important and what factors make entering this field increasingly attractive
To export any product, it is essential to first have a thorough understanding of the various characteristics of the product to be exported. It is important to know the product well and even better to have experience selling it in the domestic market. Characteristics such as the necessary standards for exporting the product, packaging and shipping methods, product lifespan and expiration date, export regulations and customs tariffs, production volume in the country of origin, and the demand for the product in target markets are all topics that knowing more about can help you choose a suitable product for export. Various products are produced in our country that have excellent export potential, and with sufficient awareness, one can make the most of these potentials. One of these products is tiles and ceramics. Fortunately, our country holds a significant share of the global production capacity of tiles and ceramics, and statistics always indicate a high level of production of this product in the country. In 2013, Iran ranked fourth in the world in tile and ceramic production, and over the years, it has consistently been among the top global producers of this product. Despite the impact of sanctions and economic problems on many of the country’s manufacturing industries, given that the raw materials for this industry are available domestically and there is no need for imports to carry out production, this industry has been able to maintain a stable production trend. More than 150 active factories in the tile and ceramic industry are currently producing in Iran, and each year, several new factories with significant capacities are inaugurated and added to the previous producers of this product. Although exchange rate fluctuations and the resulting recessions have sometimes affected the production capacity of manufacturers and domestic market demand, this situation has also made the export market more attractive in terms of the foreign exchange it brings, and indeed, part of the products produced are directed towards foreign markets and exports to other countries.
Advantages of Exporting Tiles and Ceramics:
When we delve deeper into studying and understanding the various aspects of exporting tiles and ceramics, we clearly realize the impactful advantages that collectively contribute to making the tile and ceramic export market more attractive. Some of
these advantages include:
1. Availability of a Nearly Complete Supply Chain for Raw Materials within the Country: The raw materials used in this industry, including the produced clays and mineral ores, are abundant in our country. These materials can even be exported directly and in raw form to other countries. Therefore, it is better to use these materials in the production cycle to create more added value and contribute to the country’s export earnings.
2. Long Shelf Life: Tiles, ceramics, and sanitary ware are products that do not have an expiration date. They do not spoil over long-term storage, and only their packaging might get damaged, or they might suffer from chipping or breaking during transportation. This highlights the importance of paying great attention to the quality of packaging for these products.
3. Availability of Cheap Fuel in the Country: The fossil fuels needed for the production of tiles and ceramics are both accessible and inexpensive in Iran.
4. Low Labor Costs Compared to Global Wages: The low labor wages and high exchange rates result in a very high profit margin from the difference between the production cost and the export sale price for merchants and traders.
5. Acceptable Quality Diversity and High Production Capacity of Existing Machinery and Equipment in the Country: Attention to this industry and the investments made in the past two decades have increased production capacities both in terms of area and technical quality and standards.
6. Diversity in Exportable Products in the Tile and Ceramic Sector: There are a wide range of exportable tile and ceramic products, including body granules, unglazed fired bodies (biscuits), and final products with various water absorption rates, glazes, designs, sizes, body types, and final finishes. Additionally, with slight modifications to the produced tiles, more added value can be created, allowing them to be sold at higher prices, similar to the variety and demand seen in the market for decorative and third-fired tiles, which offer a wide range of price ranges and attractive profit margins for merchants and exporters.
7. Overlap with Other Construction Products: Given the overlap and proximity of this product with the construction industry, it provides an opportunity for tile and ceramic exporters to enter the export markets of other construction products as well.
8. Most Importantly, Iran’s Geographical Location in the Middle East: The land borders with seven countries and maritime borders with more countries in the region, many of which are undergoing development, construction, and reconstruction due to various reasons such as war or structural changes, make the importance of exporting tiles, ceramics, and related industries like sanitary ware increasingly prominent and attractive for merchants and traders.
All these factors make the outlook for the tile and ceramic industry bright in the country’s planning. It is predicted that by the horizon of 2025, the export of tiles and ceramics from Iran will reach 2 billion dollars.