1stMonday.com Canton First Monday Trade Days Blog

Visually appealing and price competitive designs broaden market reach.

China suppliers of natural stone and glass tiles are expanding selections to attract orders from a wider market. Companies are banking on the recovering global economy to stimulate interest in the categories, which are generally considered upscale lines. In the EU, demand is also expected to increase as the products become more attractive alternatives to ceramic pieces, which may be faced with anti-dumping duties.

Exports of some types already show significant growth. Shipments of glass mosaics between January and April 2010, for instance, surged nearly 30 percent year on year to 55 million kilograms. This is a marked improvement from the whole of 2009, when overseas deliveries dropped more than 25 percent to 150 million kilograms.

Aesthetics is the uppermost consideration in product development. Many companies are exploring different surface treatments to achieve colorful surfaces and patterns that will be easy to maintain and not fade easily. In models for floor installation, such enhancements are balanced with improving skid resistance.

Additionally, among makers of granite and marble pieces, several are sourcing rocks with uncommon vein arrangements and hues.

With their broader range of designs, many enterprises are hoping to increase penetration of North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, currently the top three destinations of China-made natural stone and glass tiles. Companies are especially optimistic about demand in the last market, particularly in those countries covered by the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area pact. CAFTA, which reduced tariffs on over 7,000 products to almost zero, took effect in China and the six original ASEAN members in January this year. The remaining countries in the bloc, namely Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam, are expected to implement the policy by 2015.

Several suppliers are also eyeing the Middle East and Africa as avenues for growth. During the financial crisis, the two areas provided a haven for makers that saw demand from North America and the EU decline. While exports to the latter two destinations were in a downturn, shipments to the Middle East and Africa rose more than 30 percent.

Natural stone tiles

Most designs in the natural stone category come in granite or marble. Meant mainly for floor, wall and paving, these are offered in various sizes, with 300×300 and 600x600mm the best-sellers. Customers’ specifications are also accepted.

Marble tiles are generally up to three times more expensive than granite versions because the fragility of the material makes them costlier to produce. In the two lines, prices vary depending mainly on the color or pattern, surface finish and size of the model. The source of the stone is also a factor. Low-end and midrange pieces come in granite or marble from Guangdong, Fujian and other provinces, while the rock for upscale designs are sometimes procured overseas.

Rates for the latter material are two or three times higher than versions from domestic sources. Stone from Guangdong, meanwhile, costs 20 to 50 percent more than that from Fujian. Quoted typically per square meter, granite models are between $8 and $50. Marble pieces are available starting at $30, but prices can reach $150 for those with uncommon colors or patterns, handpainted designs and engravings.

During the four-month period ending April 2010, China exported more than $560 million worth of granite tiles, mostly to Asia, Europe and North America. Shipments of marble variants, counted together with travertine and alabaster building materials, exceeded $282.6 million, with Asia as the primary market. For more on “Industry prepares for stronger demand”.