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.
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