China's Tile Industry: Overcapacity in the East but Demand in the West

摘要

For the first time since 1995, China has become the largest tile manufacture in the world. Output is increasing continuously and already reached 1.6 billion m~2 in 1999. More than 98% of tiles were sold domestically, largely due to China's size as a major developing country and because its products lack competitiveness on the international market. Most manufacturers are in the coastal area of eastern China and have been facing very keen competition recently. Adjustment and reconstruction of the local tile industry is unavoidable. The program "Grand Development in Western China" initiated by the Central Government opens a new market space to both established players in eastern China and new competitors in western China. 3 tile production bases with different characteristics-Foshan, Quanzhou and Sichuan-are presented in this article.