EU buyers turn to Bangladeshi ceramics

Top buyers of European Union (EU) and other countries have started to move to Bangladesh for ceramic items that pushed export earnings of the sectors to a healthy growth of $ 5.65 crore in the first eight months of the current fiscal, according to statistics of Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). 

Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) General Secretary Irfan Uddin said China is leading the global ceramic market, especially in the EU markets, but Bangladesh is now expanding its stake.

“China used to export ceramic items paying 12 percent duty which has been hiked recently that made Chinese ceramic costlier and has paved the way for Bangladeshis ceramic,” he added.

Referring to Bangladesh’s duty free access to EU market, Irfan Uddin also director of FARR Ceramics said: “If we grab the opportunity, it will be a big boost for our industry.” 

He hoped that the export earnings would exceed $ 10 crore after the end of the fiscal.

Industry insiders said different factories are running operation in full-swing for getting work orders from foreign buyers and most of the companies have received work order for one year.

At present, 20 companies are running operation in large scale to produce clay jars, clay flower pot, tiles, sanitary ware, tableware, bathroom fittings, dinner sets, tea sets, coffee mug, clay jewelry etc.

Bangladeshi ceramic items are being exported to over 50 countries including USA, China, Japan, Poland, India, Indonesia, Croatia, Romania, Turkey, Russia, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Denmark, Italy, Australia and UK etc.