Ceramic and Porcelain tiles

 According to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, U.S. ceramic (including porcelain) tile imports were at 185.8 million m2 in 2023. Imports from India alone increased 42.6% by volume, to 37.6 million m2 in 2023 becoming largest exporter to US by volume. 

Both are popular in floor/wall tiles category. Porcelain is made from a purer, finer clay that's fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, making it denser and more durable. It also makes porcelain tiles slightly more expensive compared to ceramics. Porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, while ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate. All of the above properties make porcelain tiles more attractive for high traffic, wet and outdoor area. It also tends to last longer. 

According to Tile Council of North America, average cost of ceramic tiles from India was $0.64 per Sq. Ft. making it >25% cheaper than Brazil and Mexico which averaged at $0.87 per Sq. Ft. for ceramic tiles in 2023. This might be due to labor cost in India being cheaper. The United States has imposed antidumping and countervailing duties of >100% on ceramic tile imports from China. This makes ceramic tiles from China comparatively expensive. Spain and Italy costed much higher for their ceramic tiles compared to India, Brazil and Mexico. 

Porcelain tiles in general are very durable due to high temperature firing during their making. This might make durability difference in porcelain tiles from different manufacturer unnoticeable. You could expect more desirable designs or finishes from other countries such as Spain or Italy. However, not everyone in the United States could afford higher priced luxury tiles for their sweet homes from personal experience. Also, not all application would require special design tiles. 

More than 80% of ceramic tiles production is done in western state of India called Gujarat. More specifically, it is concentrated in Morbi city of Gujarat also known as ceramics capital of India. We will be able to connect you with multiple manufacturers in same region with different designs, cost structures and finishes available to choose from. Being from the same region, we will be able to negotiate on behalf of you to get the best deal.

We also have service available to connect you with manufacturer in Spain for luxury ceramic and porcelain tiles. One of our colleagues is from a province called Castellón which is also a leading place for tile manufacturing in Spain making up > 80% of manufacturing.