In recent years, original imported tiles witnessed a rapid domestic development, and the import data is continuously increasing. The demand change of new-generation consumers results in further needs of imported tiles. Therefore, oversea brands are attaching more importance in Chinese market.

As Confindustria Ceramica indicates, the Italian ceramic industry has produced and sold 409 million sqm ceramics in 2019 (410 million sqm in 2018), 326 million of which were for export.

According to the statistics from ASCER (Spanish Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers), the national production of tiles in Spain was 503 million sqm, creating a yearly revenue of 29.2 billion CNY. The export amount reached 21.8 billion CNY, accounting for 75% of the whole Spanish production.

1 Foshan - Core Market of Imported Tiles

As the global trade is trapped by the coronavirus, the world’s 4 largest production centers are eager to consume their productivity. With China’s increasing demand on imported tiles, the local market, Foshan in particular, is becoming the core market of imported tiles in recent years. The customs statistics suggest that in 2019, top 5 provinces with the most ceramic tile import are Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Zhejiang and Fujian. Except for Beijing with a decline, the data of others has risen. Guangdong takes over a half (55.14%).

Since 2016, due to the overall development of imported tiles, Foshan has taken place of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Zhuhai, becoming the latest center of imported tiles. So far, Foshan gathers not only the most high-end imported tile brands, but also domestic new powers like DPI, Casa Brava, Tonino Lamborghini HOME and roberto cavalli home. In general, Foshan is believed to be the future core power of imported tiles, regarding capital, strength, growth momentum and scale.

2 Cooperation with 4 Global Largest Production Centers

Considering the strong potential of Chinese imported tile market, largest production centers around the world is strengthening ties with it, actively seeking for the cooperation with China building material platform. As a super international, professional and trendy platform, China Ceramics City has abundant resources at home and abroad to keep going global.  

Therefore, Ms. Cecilia Constantino (Trade Commissioner from Italian Trade Commission Guangzhou Office), Mr. Aitor Mate (Chief Economic & Commercial Counselor from Embassy of Spain Consulate General) and Mr. Nong De Lai (Commercial Consul from Consulate General of the S.R of Vietnam in Guangzhou) all keep close contact with China Ceramics City and hope to further open Chinese market together with CCC. At the same time, Mr. Muhammad Sawaddee Bin Islamuddi (Investment Consul of Consulate-General of Malaysia) also paid a visit to China Ceramics City.

♢Photo with Trade Commissioner from Italian Trade Commission Guangzhou Office

As to the operation idea and brand positioning of China Ceramics City, Ms. Cecilia Constantino expressed great agreement and wished to jointly promote the cooperation between China and Italy. Mr. Aitor Mate also said that it is a better than good moment to establish a friendly partnership with China Ceramics City. The platform value of China Ceramics City is what the Embassy of Spain Consulate General needs to empower Spanish companies, which is of great significance for them to enter Chinese market.

♢Photo with Chief Economic & Commercial Counselor from Embassy of Spain Consulate General and Commercial Consul from Consulate General of the S.R of Vietnam in Guangzhou

Among them, Mr. Sawaddee mentioned that the market size of Malaysia is relatively small while the government control is strong. Comparatively speaking, China’s market is larger with more opportunities, where many Malaysian factories are seeking the chance for development in China.

In the second half of 2020, Consulate-General of Malaysia hopes to cooperate with China Ceramics City through the Guangzhou Office of MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) and MATRADE (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation) to organize events like cooperation exchanges and sharing forums for Chinese and Malaysian enterprises, and thus to assist enterprises in Foshan and even China to open up Malaysian market while paving the way for Malaysian companies to enter the Chinese market.

♢Mr. Sawaddee visited China Ceramics City

3 CCC Lux Gallery

Serving as a super international, professional and trendy platform, China Ceramics City has attracted more than 4,000,000 buyers from home and abroad via 18-year operation experience and 34 successful sessions of Foshan CeramBath Fair. The mall has clear category planning, rational product structure, a professional marketing team as well as good relationship with government and industrial associations. China Ceramics City is the priority choice for overseas brands to expand Chinese market. Lux Gallery - the newly introduced zone located on the fifth floor, is the key project in 2020. Based on its platform advantages and operation strategies, China Ceramics City is to build an extremely top-end platform for international brands, as well as to grandly settle 3 significant areas.

1. VIP Ceramic Library

In line with the demand of domestic industry participants, such as constructors, distributors and designers, China Ceramics City will build China’s most professional ceramic-oriented library. It provides global buyers with industrial literature materials covering the first-class product designs, application cases and marketing references for free.

2. Designers’ Club

In order to offer a convenient and comfortable space for designers and CCC VIP clients to communicate and search data , we considerately build Designers’ Club, which is equipped with discussion area, drink bar, PCs, etc.

3. Project’s Product Area

Project’s Products Area will introduce a full set of ceramic and bathroom project products, covering every accessory needed in the application. Meanwhile, we will build a Ceramic Boutique Area where you can find characteristic products such as handmade tiles, ceramic decorations and featured bathroom products. This area will greatly integrate boutique products of both the sector and China Ceramics City, which satisfies the aesthetic demand of young consumers.

As a super industrial platform, China Ceramics City possesses rich resources and powerful competence. Choosing CCC could be a first milestone to expand Chinese market strategically. In 2020, China Ceramics City will continue to strengthen cooperation with designers, constructors and top-end retailers and to organize more industrial events inside the mall so as to facilitate international brands to promote and develop distribution channels in China.

The introduction of imported brands also has significant impact on domestic brands. To achieve the upgradation of Chinese ceramic industry from “Big” to “Strong”, we cannot be satisfied with the current brand numbers. Furthermore, we need an all-rounded improvement in product design, marketing methods, space demonstration and supporting services. The introduction of international brands can enrich the existing product categories and bring about international top fashion elements. As a result, consumers can not only have a superior enjoyment of beauty, but also improve the aesthetic level.