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India ceramic sink suppliers are leveraging the low cost of labour and materials, and the abundance of the latter, to sustain orders amid strong price competition with other hubs.
Adding to Gujarat’s advantage over other hubs is Kandla port. Opened as a natural deep-water harbour, the port offers comparatively lower freight charges, furthering efforts to rein in outlay.
India suppliers are strengthening their price advantage in light of positive business projections for the months ahead. Exports in the fiscal year ending March 2012 are expected to grow 10 to 20 percent. Orders will be driven by the continuous boom of the construction sector in developing countries, and the replacement market.
During the previous corresponding period, overseas revenue for sanitaryware, including ceramic sinks, was estimated at $371.4 million.
“Exports in the coming year will rise steadily,” said Vinod Gupta, spokesman of Brevi Exports.
“In fact, shipments have started to shift back to an uptick in past months following a prolonged slowdown. Strong demand from emerging countries, particularly in Africa and Asia, is spurring growth.”
Selections-wise, companies are moving up the value chain, releasing stylish designs that reflect trends in western homes to attract orders.
Designer basins, for instance, are rising in number. Such models are handcrafted, or feature rustic themes or decorative stickers. Metro City Ceramic (India) offers a series of pedestal basins with printed designs.
White ceramic sinks continue to be available, but are now accented with colored edges, printing or a luster effect. The latest releases are engraved, carved or contoured. Corner, countertop, half-pedestal and undercounter basins will be among the best-sellers in the months ahead.
Outside aesthetics, product enhancements focus on quality and durability. Surface finishing options include glossy and scratch-resistant coatings. Companies are also boosting models’ ability to withstand chemicals and abrasion, breaking strength and water absorption.
“The Middle East, Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal are the primary export destinations. Other than Morbi and Thangadh in Gujarat, Jodhpur in Rajasthan is a key manufacturing hub. These are exciting times to be associating with Gujarat’s expanding sanitaryware industry!” says Derek Burston, exhibition director, Indian Ceramics 2012.
“It is undoubtedly the reason that this year’s expanded Indian Ceramics exhibition, has now sold out, with just a handful of available spaces” he adds, commenting that all remaining space is on offer at the current time, with a waiting list developing for 2013.
“India is continuing to show itself not only as the key Asian market of the decade, but also as an increasingly important meeting place for the global industry” he adds.
To take part in next year’s exciting event, and to be sure of your place at the industry’s most rapidly expanding show, you can register to follow Indian Ceramics 2012 on twitter or subscribe to our RSS feed. Full details are also contained in our official publication, Asian Ceramics (www.asianceramics.com).
For direct sales and sponsorship enquiries, contact Derek Burston on Des@gattacaltd.com ;
Tel: + 44 (0) 203 239 6759
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