Iran world's fourth tiles, ceramics producer

Tehran, Dec 7, IRNA – A senior officials at the Industry, Mines and Trade Ministry says Iran ranks fourth in the world in terms of tiles and ceramics production adding that plans have been drawn up this year to attain an output level of 440 million square meters. Speaking to IRNA, Seyed Mohammad Fatemian said during the first seven months of the current year (started March 21) over 224 million square meters of tiles and ceramics were produced in the country. He said the country’s record in production of tiles and ceramics in the first seven months of the current year shows an increase of 33.5% in comparison with the same period last year. During the first seven months of the previous year, tiles and ceramics production amounted to 167.843 million tons. Fatemian further remarked that according to statistics of Iran Customs Administration, export of tiles and ceramics last year amounted to about 114 million square meters worth approximately $455 million. He said export of tiles and ceramics last year in comparison with its previous year showed an increase of 22.5% in terms of weight and 20% in terms of value. He said the tiles and ceramics sector today enjoys a strategic document for exports and is not concerned about obtaining the raw materials as its most required materials are soil and kaolin that are available inside the country. Fatemian referred to the operation of five knowledge-based coating units in the country and said with the help of imported coating products are supplied to the market in accordance with national standards. Currently there are 120 units in the country active in the production of tiles and ceramics and with regard to the machinery installed in those units their production capacity is now 70 million square meters./end