Summary

As of the provided data, the global ceramics market demonstrated growth with exports reaching €57.24 billion. Dominated by Asia, particularly China with $22.37 billion in exports, this region outpaced others significantly in both production and consumption, especially for ceramic tiles with 8.5 billion square meters consumed. Europe's consumption was much lower at 1.03 billion square meters. 

Production in France faced a cyclical trend but decreased slightly by 1.2% indicating some volatility. The French market also showed dependency on imports with a substantial trade deficit, particularly in ceramic tiles and slabs, which held a prominent share of the market at 52.8%. Technical ceramics remained a strong point for France with better trade coverage rates. French regulations, notably REACH, and European directives such as 1935/2004, significantly shape the market, ensuring material safety especially for products in contact with food.

The market is influenced by the real estate sector's performance, with a noted link between housing starts, declining consumption of ceramic tableware due to changing family models, and the health of the industrial sector. The automotive and metallurgy sectors play an essential role as consumers of technical ceramics. The French ceramics industry structure showed a higher number of specialized establishments in traditional versus technical ceramics despite revenue contractions witnessed in the former. As of 2020, no specific numerical data was provided to elucidate more recent market trends.

Fluctuating Demand in the French Ceramics Market

The French ceramics market, encompassing a broad spectrum of products from decorative items to technical ceramics, appears to have varied demand influenced by several external factors such as international trade, domestic production, and sector-specific trends. The total value of the French ceramics market, cautiously estimated at around 1.9 billion euros in 2018, showed a slight dip compared to the previous year, symbolizing a complex and cyclical nature of the industry. Predominantly, the market's demand is skewed towards ceramic tiles and slabs, which account for over half of the market value. Products categorized for domestic or ornamental use and ceramic sanitary ware also hold substantial shares, representing around 18% and 13% of the market value, respectively. With these three segments forming the core of the French market, they serve as critical areas for further exploration.

It's interesting to note that the demand within the ceramics market also closely correlates with the real estate sector, especially new housing developments. Any new construction project triggers a cascade of potential demand for various ceramic products, be it tiles or sanitary equipment. However, the market follows the cyclical trends of the real estate sector, as exhibited in recent years, where a slight downturn in housing starts was reported. The market's dependence on foreign trade adds another layer of variability to demand. France experienced a significant trade deficit across the ceramics sector, with imports substantially outpacing exports, particularly in the realm of ceramic tiles and slabs. However, on a more positive note, France demonstrates strong export performance in other technical ceramics for industrial applications.

Further nuances of demand are revealed in specific product categories like tableware, where household consumption has been on a decline. Annual expenditure on tableware and the proportion of French households owning specialized table services for special occasions suggest a generational shift, with the younger population straying from traditional consumption patterns. The industrial sector, notably the automotive and metallurgy industries, also contributes to the ebb and flow of technical ceramics demand. These sectors, which rely heavily on the unique properties of ceramics for manufacturing components and insulation, impart a direct influence on the market. The robust growth of the automotive sector and the more fluctuating fortunes of metallurgy underscore the tight link between industrial health and technical ceramics demand.

In conclusion, the French ceramics market presents a complex picture influenced by varied demand patterns across different product types, changing consumer habits, reliance on international trade, and the intertwined relationship with both the real estate and industrial sectors. 

Key Market Players in the French Ceramics Sector

The French ceramics market, replete with diverse ranges from traditional decorative items to cutting-edge technical ceramics, is buoyed by a selection of established companies that excel in various sub-segments of the industry. These key players, through their specialized offerings and innovative expertise, shape the market dynamics and contribute to France's position in the global ceramics sphere.

  • Winckelmans stands out as a traditional player in the ceramics market. Renowned for their craft in manufacturing decorative and classic ceramic tiles, Winckelmans has carved out a niche in the market that appreciates timeless designs and high-quality, durable products. Their tiles are a staple in heritage buildings and private homes desiring a touch of historical elegance.

  • Desvres is another notable name in the traditional ceramics segment. While specific turnover numbers are not disclosed, Desvres' contribution to the ornamental and domestic ceramics segment is recognized as significant. The firm's adeptness in creating pieces that blend functional utility with aesthetic appeal places them in good stead amidst consumers who value the artistry of ceramics in daily life.

  • Evolving from the conventional, Safran is one of the French industrial powerhouses active in the technical ceramics market. Their technological prowess is directed towards the aeronautic sector, producing specialty ceramics that are integral to high-performance and safety-critical components. Safran's commitment to innovation propels the technical ceramics segment forward, setting standards for durability and precision.

  • Saint Gobain is a globally recognized leader, not just in France, that has a sizeable footprint in the technical ceramics arena. With a portfolio that encompasses a vast array of products catered to multiple industries, Saint Gobain's impact on the market is multipronged. Their expertise in producing ceramics that meet stringent industrial needs from automotive to construction signifies their pivotal role in meeting current and futuristic demands.

These players, each with their respective specializations, contribute to a vibrant and multifaceted French ceramics market. From the artful legacy of Winckelmans and Desvres to the innovative industrial applications delivered by Safran and Saint Gobain, the sector covers a spectrum that is as rich in history as it is forward-looking in technological evolution. The positioning of these actors ensures that the French ceramics market remains dynamic, competitive, and poised to adapt to the ever-changing demands of both domestic and international consumers.

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  • Last update : 18/10/2022
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

1.1 Definition and scope of the study

The ceramics market encompasses a wide range of different products, from decorative items and tableware to sanitary equipment and many types of technical ceramics.

All of these product types are included in this study, and the scope of the data is detailed by section according to the integrated NAF or CPF codes.

The global ceramics market is dominated by China, responsible for nearly 50% of global exports in 2018. France is also highly dependent on foreign trade in ceramic products, as it imports a large portion of these products to meet demand.

Nevertheless, France has a few industrial flagships present in the very specific sector of technical ceramics, as well as a larger number of establishments specializing in ornamental ceramic items.

List of charts

  • National production of ceramic products (all codes)
  • Exports and imports of ceramics (all products)
  • Distribution of export value by product type
  • Distribution of import value by product type
  • Foreign trade in ceramic tiles (2331)
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Latest news

Anduze Gard: the Madeleine pottery renews its kilns to boost output - 05/09/2023
  • Company location: Lézan, south of Alès
  • New equipment increases vase production capacity by 25%
  • Current production: 60 vases per day, plans to increase to 75 vases per day
  • 40% of the company's business is exported
  • Poterie de la Madeleine employs 50 people Company sales in 2022: 6 million euros.
Safran offers $1.8 billion for Collins flight orders - 22/07/2023
  • Safran proposes to acquire Collins Aerospace's flight controls business for an enterprise value of $1.8 billion.
  • The acquisition covers 8 manufacturing sites, 7 of which are in Europe (mainly the UK, France and Italy) and 1 in Asia, employing 3,700 people.
  • By 2024, these plants are expected to generate sales of around $1.5 billion
  • The customers of this Collins branch are 63% commercial aviation, 25% military aircraft and 12% helicopters.
  • Collins is committed to generating a quarter of sales from its orders over the next few years.
  • Safran forecasts a 50% increase in engine deliveries by 2023.
  • Safran promises sales of 23 billion euros in 2023 (versus 19 billion euros in 2022)
Safran negotiates its biggest acquisition in five years with Raytheon - 08/06/2023
  • Safran Group in talks to acquire a branch of Raytheon Technologies Corp
  • Potential acquisition of certain flight control and actuation activities (ATA 27)
  • Acquisition value could be around $1 billion
  • Raytheon had sales of $67.1 billion in 2020
  • Safran had sales of 19 billion euros
Safran forecasts a 50% increase in engine deliveries by 2023. - 20/02/2023
  • Last year, Safran invested heavily in the space sector, with the acquisition of Orolia , Cilas and Syrlinks
  • three companies that will enable Safran to rapidly reach half a billion euros in sales in space equipment
Preconstruction boosted Cerâmicas Aleluia's accounts by $19 million - 25/05/2021

Inflated value of accounts: 19 million euros

Prebuild group debt to Novo Banco: 300 million euros

Export pre-financing with BES: 200 million euros

Amount exported: 40 million euros

These key figures can be used in a market study of the Novo Banco business, the Prebuild Group and Cerâmicas Aleluia.

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Winckelmans
Cermix (Desvres Cerabati)
Safran Groupe
Aleluia Cerâmicas France
Iperceramica
Le Monde du Carrelage
Poterie de la Madeleine Anduze

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