U.S. Ceramic Tile Use Down in First-Half 2023

ANDERSON, S.C. – Ceramic tile use in the United States during this year’s first half dropped by 4.7% from the same time last year, according to a report from the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).

The industry group noted that imports of products and U.S. production declined from the first six months of 2022.

January-June this year imports of 995.8 million ft² declined 6.1% from the same period in 2022.

India shipped the most to the United States during 1H 2023 with 195.8 million ft², representing a 57% increase from the same time last year. Mexico was second at 181.8 million ft², up 5.8% from 2022.

Spain, the leading exporter in 1H 2022, dropped its shipments by 20.4% to 172.2 million ft². Italy, then the second-largest U.S. foreign supplier, declined 21.9% in this year’s first half to 142.8 million ft².

Italy led all exporters to the United States in off-the-dock (transport plus duties) value during 1H 2023, although the $352.8 million is a 15.1% drop from the same time last year. Spain’s $331.1 million is down 11.3%.

Mexico’s $151.8 million in value, meanwhile, represented a 16.9% increase from 1H 2022. India’s shipments increased 14.3% in value to $122.1 million.

Factory-dock sales value of U.S.-made-and-used ceramic tile for 1H 2023 was $775.4 million, up 4.4% from the same time last year. Domestic shipments were down 16% to 444.5 million ft².

U.S. ceramic-tile export volume in 1H 2023 decreased 17% from the same time last year. The two largest export targets for U.S.-made products were Canada (66.5% share) and Mexico (19.5% share).

TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials, and other tile-related products. The group facilitates the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers.

Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, economic reports, and promotional literature.