Ceramics Production Industry in China

Ceramics and porcelain manufacturing has a long history in China which can be dated back to as early as 4,500 B.C. Nowadays, annual production of domestic ceramics in China accounts for about 70% of total production in the world, while ceramic arts and decorative accessories production accounts for around 65%, and architectural ceramic production accounts for about 50% of total world production annually.

Ceramics production in China can be segmented into 4 categories, according to the National Bureau of Statistics, including: sanitary ceramics, domestic ceramics, ceramic arts and decorative accessories and special ceramics for industrial, agricultural, experimental and other special usage.

In 2011, the total production volume of sanitary ceramics in China reached 200 million pieces, while total production volume of domestic ceramics reached 30 billion pieces.

In 2011, export value of ceramic products added up to more than $6 billion, accounting for about 20% of total ceramics production in China.

Official statistics also showed that at the end of 2011, there were more than 2,600 industrial enterprises above designated size*, with a higher than 10% annual growth rate. Their total assets add up to about $17 billion.

In terms of sales revenue by production regions, Guangdong province, Shandong province and Jiangxi province took the lead in 2011, with market shares of 24.77%, 17.68% and 16.79% respectively.