8 Key Markets for Spanish Tiles: Importer Ranking 2025

Despite an 11.6% drop in exports to the United States in 2023, this market remains the main destination for our tiles, with sales valued at €456.1 million. Furthermore, the Spanish ceramic tile industry maintains an export propensity five times higher than the national average, directing 72% of its sales to international markets, with total estimated revenues of €4.818 billion by 2024.

The outlook is promising: the market for Spanish tiles is projected to reach $2 billion by 2025, with compound annual growth of 5.45% through 2030. Likewise, the US construction market is estimated to begin recovering in 2025, with projected growth of 5% after declines in 2023 and 2024.

In this analysis, we examine the eight key markets for Spanish tiles in 2025, assessing import trends, consumer preferences, and strategic opportunities for leading Spanish ceramic tile companies in these key destinations.

United States

The United States as a Key Market for Spanish Tiles

The US market continues to be the main export destination outside Europe for Spanish ceramics, representing 22.7% of the sector's total sales. During 2024, sales to this country remained stable, reaching €420.7 million, representing a slight increase of 0.2% compared to the previous year. This stability is especially significant considering that the United States is the leading destination for Spanish exports outside the European Union.

Spain has consolidated its position as the main supplier of ceramic tiles to the US in terms of volume. However, in value, our country ranks second, behind only Italy, with exports valued at $404 million during the first ten months of 2024. This reflects the strategy of leading Spanish ceramic companies to position themselves in higher value-added segments.

Historically, until 2022, Spain led the sales of ceramic tiles across the Atlantic with 40.1 million square meters. The importance of this market for tiles in Castellón is indisputable: more than 550 companies in the province export to the United States, with total sales exceeding €1 billion in 2024.

Tile Import Trends in the United States

The year 2025 has begun with positive prospects for the sector. In January, Spanish ceramics surpassed India as the main supplier, sending 2.84 million square meters to the North American market. Furthermore, exports increased by 32% in February compared to the same month last year, allowing sales to remain positive with a growth of 5.9%.

The US ceramic tile market is estimated at $5.54 billion by 2024, with projections to reach $6.40 billion by 2029, representing a CAGR of 2.97%. This favorable trend is primarily due to the revival of the construction sector and the growing preference for high-quality products.

Regarding North American consumer preferences, porcelain tile continues to be the most in-demand product, accounting for 67% of total consumption. Regarding formats, 30x60 centimeters is the most sold, while 60x120 centimeters is gaining popularity. This trend demonstrates the adaptation of Spanish companies to US market trends.

Impact of Tariff Policies in the United States

The Trump Administration's tariff policy represents one of the main challenges for the sector. In February 2025, Trump announced the imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on imports from China. Although these measures do not directly affect the European Union, there is underlying concern about a possible extension to European products.

The situation became more complicated when Trump implemented an initial general 10% tariff on all countries, followed by a 20% tariff specific to the European Union on April 9. These measures are in addition to the existing tariffs on the European ceramics sector, which ranged between 8.5% and 10%, meaning Spanish companies face tariffs of up to 30% on their exports to the US.

The economic impact could be considerable. According to estimates, this tariff increase would mean a maximum reduction of €55 million in the sector's profitability, affecting approximately 52% of the EBITDA that Spanish manufacturers generate in that country. However, even with this additional cost, the United States would remain an attractive market, with a return of 10.5%.

Despite these challenges, one positive aspect is that other major competitors also face tariff barriers. India, its main rival in terms of volume, faces tariffs of 26%, which could give Spanish products a certain competitive advantage, especially in higher value-added segments.

India

India as a Main Competitor in Volume

The Indian ceramics industry has emerged as Spain's main competitor in the global tile market. The Asian giant is positioned as the second-largest producer and consumer of ceramic tiles worldwide, behind only China, while Spain ranks fourth after Brazil. However, it is worth noting that our country still surpasses India as a ceramic tile exporter, ranking second worldwide, only behind China.

India has managed to overtake Spain as the leader in strategic markets. In the United States, the main export destination for both countries, India reached a 20.3% share of the total imported volume in 2024, surpassing Spain, which held 17.5%. In numerical terms, India exported 36.6 million square meters to the US, while Spain shipped 31.5 million.

India's main competitive advantage lies in its pricing strategy. In 2023, Indian tiles sold at an average price of €3.8 per square meter, 9.5% less than in 2022. This figure contrasts dramatically with the average export price of Spanish tiles, which was close to €11 per square meter. The difference is even more pronounced in the US market, where a square meter of Indian ceramics is priced at $6.60, compared to $19 for the Spanish product.

Growth in Indian imports in 2025

Despite the anti-dumping measures approved by the European Commission in February 2023, the entry of Indian products into Europe continues to grow. During the first eleven months of 2024, India's EU sales totaled more than €278 million, a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.

Furthermore, the imported volume reached almost 45 million square meters between January and November 2024. India has more than doubled its market share in the EU, rising from 3% in 2020 to 7% in 2023. This trend will continue in 2025, with a 5.4% increase in Indian exports to Europe during the first quarter compared to the same period last year.

This growth is of particular concern to the Spanish ceramics sector, as Europe is a key market for our main ceramics companies. France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and other European countries represent strategic destinations in our trade ranking.

Italy

Italy as a high-value importer

Unlike other markets, Italy represents an exceptional case for the Spanish ceramics sector. In a context of widespread demand crisis, Italy has significantly increased its imports of Spanish tiles. Trade with this country reached a value of €91 million, representing an 18.7% growth compared to the previous year, while the volume of square meters exported grew by 4.5%. Furthermore, during the first quarter of 2023, Italy purchased Spanish tiles worth €56.4 million, a staggering 40.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

By 2023, Spain consolidated its position as Italy's main supplier of ceramic products, accounting for 47% of the country's total ceramic imports. This position is particularly significant considering that Italy is traditionally one of our main competitors in the sector. In fact, Italy continues to increase its purchases of Spanish tiles, positioning itself as the only market in the top 5 to grow in both value and volume.

Design and Quality Trends in the Italian Market

The Italian market greatly values ​​the artisanal nature of Spanish products, especially because in Italy this sector is increasingly industrialized with less artisanal production. As a result, Spanish products are positioned in the highest segment of the Italian market, helping to promote the image of Spanish tiles as a product of quality, design, and innovation.

The trends observed at the Cersaie trade fair, the most important event for the sector in Italy, show a clear inclination toward products that incorporate elements and materials inspired by nature. Stone or wood finishes predominate, and a color range from grays and terracottas to beiges. In addition, trends such as polished finishes with glossy effects that add elegance to spaces and ceramic pieces with subtle reliefs that offer exceptional tactile and visual experiences stand out.

The geographical and cultural proximity between Spain and Italy, along with both countries' membership in the European Union, facilitates the establishment of trade relations. Furthermore, the Spanish porcelain sector presents significant growth opportunities in the Italian market, driven by improved design and more competitive costs compared to Italian products.

France

France as a traditional destination for Spanish tiles

France has historically been the most important market for the Spanish tile sector. Despite recent fluctuations, France continues to lead the ranking of destinations for Spanish ceramic exports. In the first half of 2024, France ranked second among export destinations for Spanish tiles, with sales reaching €234.6 million. For the full year 2023, total sales to France reached €455.2 million.

However, there are warning signs. France is one of the countries that has most slowed imports, recording a 13.6% drop in purchases. On the other hand, although import volume decreased by 5%, exports in value grew by 1.5% to €174.17 million, indicating that the main Spanish ceramic companies have managed to maintain prices in this market.

French Consumer Preferences in Ceramics

The French ceramic tile market is characterized by very defined preferences. 75% of French consumption corresponds to stoneware products, whose use has diversified in recent years, reducing the demand for traditional tiles, historically used in indoor wet areas.

The most requested formats by French consumers are:

Gres: 60x60 cm and 45x45 cm formats, with growing demand for larger formats (70x70 cm, 120x120 cm)

Traditional tiles: 20x50/60 cm and 25x40 cm formats

The COVID-19 lockdown significantly changed consumer habits, increasing interest in outdoor spaces. Consequently, renovations of terraces and swimming pools increased, accounting for 80% of outdoor ceramic tile sales. Ceramic tile prices in France range between €5-20/m² depending on the type, format, and origin.

Export volume to France in 2025

During April 2024, France consolidated its position as the second-largest market for Spanish exports with €41.6 million, representing a growth of 1%. Likewise, during the January-April period, France maintained its leading position in sales.

The French ceramic tile market reached 110.3 million m² in 2022, representing a 2.6% growth compared to 2021. The outlook is optimistic, with a market volume of 116 million m² estimated for 2025, which would represent a 5% increase compared to 2022. In value terms, the French market could reach €1,194.2 million in 2025.

Despite the decline in volume, Castellón tile manufacturers maintain their value-added strategy in France. Spain is the second largest supplier of ceramic tiles to France after Italy, although the competitive gap with Italian producers has narrowed significantly in the last decade thanks to improvements in the design and performance of Spanish products.

United Kingdom

United Kingdom after Brexit: Opportunities and Challenges

The British market has demonstrated extraordinary resilience to the effects of Brexit, overcoming the initial difficulties experienced at customs. During the first months of 2021, shipments gradually recovered, closing the first four months with sales worth €59 million, representing a 19.9% ​​increase compared to the same period of the previous year. For 2022, exports to the British market grew by 25% in value and 6.1% in volume, consolidating the United Kingdom as the third destination for Spanish ceramic exports.

Despite this success, tile exports in Castellón face significant challenges. Sales fell by 13.5% between January and May 2023, mainly due to the slowdown in British construction caused by rising interest rates and cost pressures. However, this decline also reflects the comparison with 2022, when sales reached their highest level in the historical series at €267.3 million.

Demand for Spanish tiles in the British residential sector

The country of Big Ben is experiencing a real estate and construction boom that favors the ceramic tile sector "with growth of around 21.2%," according to figures from the employers' association Ascer. In this market, the preference for glazed tiles stands out, the demand for which is also driven by more competitive import prices.

Major Spanish ceramic companies benefit from the fact that the United Kingdom imports 90% of its ceramic tile consumption, with Spain being the main supplier with a 33% market share. Furthermore, the sector's growth prospects are positive in the short and medium term.

Development of the ceramic tile market in the United Kingdom

During January-November 2024, sales reached €179.4 million, consolidating the United Kingdom as the third most important market for Spanish tiles. This positioning has motivated the development of a specific promotional plan that includes participation in trade fairs, the development of press materials, and the organization of seminars.

The British ceramic tile market is expected to reach an estimated value of $1.28 billion by 2029, with annual growth of 2.91%. Among the most notable trends, there is an increase in demand for:

Large formats

20mm tiles for exteriors

Sustainable products

Likewise, e-commerce represents a growing opportunity for the sector. The pandemic accelerated online ceramic sales, bringing the value of this channel to approximately £127 million at retail prices, or more than £56 million at manufacturer prices.

Vietnam

Vietnam as a growing emerging market

Among the emerging markets in the ceramic sector, Vietnam stands out for its extraordinary dynamism. This Asian country ranks as the seventh-largest tile producer in the world, even surpassing the Spanish industry in volume. Its ceramic exports are mainly directed to Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States, and Australia.

Vietnam is one of the countries with the fastest growing consumption of ceramic tiles. However, what is truly worrying for the main Spanish ceramic companies is its growing presence in strategic markets, especially the United States, where it ranks seventh as a supplier.

45% Increase in Ceramic Imports

During 2024, Vietnamese ceramic imports experienced a spectacular growth of 45.6%. Specifically, Vietnam exported 7.7 million square meters to the United States, generating revenue of $49 million, representing an increase of 43.4%.

Furthermore, its share of the US market reached 5.5%, compared to 17.6% for tiles from Castellón. Despite this difference, the pace of Vietnamese growth is worrying for Spain, even more so given that the average price of its products in the US stands at just $8.7 per square meter, well below the $19 for Spanish products.

Prospects for Trade Collaboration with Vietnam

In this competitive context, the Spanish government has strengthened diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Agreements on food safety, animal and plant health, as well as a financial protocol supporting Spanish investments in Vietnam through loans totaling €305 million, were recently signed.

It is worth noting that the US has imposed tariffs of 46% on Vietnamese ceramic products, significantly higher than the 20% tariff applied to European products. This measure could partially level the playing field, especially at a time when Vietnam operates with lower production costs and is subject to fewer regulations than European industries.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia and the Demand for High-End Ceramics

The Saudi market has evolved significantly in recent years, transforming from a destination for low-cost ceramic products to a consumer of mid- and high-end tiles. Indeed, Saudi Arabia rose to become the second largest commercial destination for our tiles in Castellón during the 2008 economic crisis. It currently ranks tenth in economic value for our exports, with sales reaching €76.4 million between January and November 2024.

However, the growth of the Saudi ceramics market is undeniable. It is estimated to reach $1.79 billion in 2025 and is projected to increase to $2.58 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.62%.

Infrastructure and Urbanization Projects

The ambitious "Vision 2030" is driving Saudi Arabia's economic transformation, reducing its dependence on oil through massive infrastructure investments. This strategic plan is creating unprecedented opportunities for the ceramics sector, especially with megaprojects like NEOM.

The government's social housing program alone will create a demand for approximately 143 million square meters of ceramic materials. Likewise, investments in tourism and religious projects to accommodate millions of pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina require high-quality tile solutions.

Opportunities for Spanish Ceramic Companies

Despite trade barriers, 78 leading Spanish ceramic companies have maintained the "Quality Mark" certification required by the Saudi Standard Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) since 2019. This certification, although entailing considerable financial costs and bureaucracy, demonstrates the sector's interest in this market, with a 25% increase in certified companies in just three months.

The results are already visible: between January and May 2023, our exports to Saudi Arabia grew by 4.8% in value and 6.9% in volume. This places the Saudi market as one of only four in the top 10 markets showing year-over-year increases in Spanish ceramic tile exports.

Mexico

Mexico as a Strategic Trade Partner

The Mexican market represents a consolidated opportunity for the Spanish ceramic tile sector. According to recent economic data, Spain is positioned as the second-largest supplier of ceramic tiles to Mexico, with exports valued at $61.93 million, behind only India ($121.18 million) and ahead of Italy ($28.63 million). This privileged position gives us a nearly 60% share of the Mexican ceramic tile import market.

Tile Import Trends in Mexico

The ceramic tile sector in Mexico is showing sustained growth. By 2025, the market is estimated to reach $1.54 billion, projected to increase to $1.98 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 5.24%. This dynamism is supported by several factors:

The boom in residential construction (Mexico needs to build 800,000 homes annually)

The digital transformation of distribution channels

The increase in public and private infrastructure projects

Furthermore, e-commerce has gained importance, with more than 90 million registered internet users by the end of 2022, representing an annual increase of 9.3%.

Price and quality comparison with Spain

Tiles in Castellón maintain a high-quality position in the Mexican market. While leading Spanish ceramic companies such as Porcelanosa (€20-€50/m²) compete in the premium segment, the average export price of Spanish tiles has increased annually by 2.2%, reaching €7.4/m².

However, competitive pressure from China is growing. In three years (2004-2006), China tripled its presence in the Mexican market, primarily in the unglazed ceramic segment. However, Mexican consumer perception continues to favor Spanish products, especially in the price-quality ratio, valuing durability as well as design and innovation.

Import tariffs in Mexico are considerable, with a General Import Tax of 25% plus a 16% VAT, demonstrating the competitive strength of Spanish products despite trade barriers.

Conclusion

The international landscape of Spanish tile presents both significant challenges and opportunities. Although Spain maintains its privileged position as the European leader in production, the sector must face increasingly intense global competition. However, this industry demonstrates an extraordinary capacity to adapt, consolidating its presence in traditional markets while exploring new horizons.

The United States continues to be our main export destination outside of Europe, despite the recently imposed 30% tariff barriers. On the other hand, India represents the most aggressive competitor, with a pricing strategy that contrasts dramatically with our commitment to added value. This difference is evident when comparing the €3.8/m² of the Indian product versus the €10.3/m² of the Spanish one.

France and Italy, traditional European markets, show contrasting trends. While France experienced a 13.6% drop in its imports, Italy surprisingly saw an 18.7% increase, positioning itself as a high-value importer. Likewise, the United Kingdom demonstrated resilience after Brexit, maintaining its position as the third most important destination for our products.

Emerging markets offer promising prospects. Vietnam, the world's seventh largest producer, is increasing its exports by 45.6%, mainly to the United States. Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious “Vision 2030”, will generate an estimated demand of 143 million square meters of ceramic materials for social housing alone. Finally, Mexico represents a consolidated opportunity where Spain maintains a share of close to 60% of the ceramic import market.

The future of Spanish tile will depend fundamentally on its ability to differentiate itself through unique value propositions, focusing on quality, design and innovation. Adapting to the different demands of each market, together with a defined strategy against low-cost competitors, will be key to maintaining the leading position of the Spanish ceramic tile sector on the international scene in the coming years.