Ceramic industry moves into niche market with quality

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The ceramic industry has a brighter future provided manufacturers focus on exporting quality products with value addition to niche markets, said ceramic industry sources. The industry is poised to make a fresh start with signs of an early recovery from the global economic crisis which slammed the brakes on export demand.

The United States and Europe, the primary markets for Sri Lanka’s ceramic products were adversely hit by the financial crisis.

Sources said there is a gradual improvement in export orders and the industry anticipates a full revival this year.

Exports orders slumped sharply during the past two year forcing factories to close down.

The recession was also a blessing in disguise to the ceramic industry which was compelled to move into niche markets with more sophisticated products.

The ceramic industry is affected by the surge in gas prices due to the unusual and prolonged winter in the USA and Europe.

Industry experts are confident that there would be a stable market for ceramics in the near future.

Industry sources said a pay hike to all sector employees is a good move but a gradual increase would be much welcoming.

Sri Lanka is world renowned for manufacturing quality and some of the finest designs of table and sanitaryware products.