Ceramics industry worldwide - statistics & facts
Ceramic material refers to inorganic, non-metallic mineral materials that are brittle, hard, and formed using heat. Ceramics can withstand very high heat and chemical erosion, among other characteristics. There are a wide range of ceramic materials that are processed to have different properties which are suited to various applications, from everyday products to highly technical material solutions. China was by far the largest exporter of ceramic building materials in 2023. The exports of ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles, and ceramic mosaic cubes from China amounted to 4.6 billion U.S. dollars.
The ceramic industry has a significant role in the global economy, and its diverse applications across various industries make it a critical component of our everyday lives. It is anticipated that the industry will continue to expand, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand in various sectors.
Ceramic tiles: production and consumption
Ceramic tiles are one of the largest end-use categories of ceramics, with different forms suited to different applications such as flooring, roofing tiles, wall tiles, and mosaics. In 2024, the global market revenue of ceramic tiles was some 213.5 billion U.S. dollars. The total global ceramic tile production amounted to over 15.9 billion square meters in 2023. Asia is by far the world's largest ceramic tile producing region, with China alone accounting for nearly 42.2 percent of global production in 2023. On the consumption side, China (and Asia in a macro-regional comparison) was also the leading ceramic tile consuming nation in the world as of 2023.Ceramics engineering and other uses of ceramics
Aside from ceramic tiles, the range of products and applications using ceramics is vast. Zirconium dioxide ceramic knives stay sharp much longer than metal knives, and ceramic dishes and pottery are durable and attractive, while porcelain is delicate and fine. Ceramic engineering and technical ceramics are where the ceramics industry goes from mundane to modern and high-tech. For instance, thermal ceramics are durable at temperatures of more than 2,000 degrees Celsius and are used by the transportation, petrochemical, and chemical industries, among others. The global market of thermal ceramics is expected to reach seven billion U.S. dollars by 2030.The ceramic industry has a significant role in the global economy, and its diverse applications across various industries make it a critical component of our everyday lives. It is anticipated that the industry will continue to expand, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand in various sectors.
