Record export of ceramics

The country's ceramic ware exports set a new record in fiscal year (FY) 2017-18, thanks to the growing global demand for local products.
Sector insiders said domestic producers will benefit further this fiscal in the wake of increased US tariffs against Chinese products, including ceramics.
According to official data, local exporters shipped ceramics worth $52 million in FY '18, a 33 per cent rise over FY '17.
They exported ceramics worth above $11 million in the July-August period of the current FY-more than 80 per cent of its target, according to the Export Promotion Bureau.
Around 50 per cent of ceramics is exported to the US.
Bangladeshi ceramic products are also transported to Canada, the European Union (EU) and other countries.
A diversified product base with competitive prices helped the sector boost ceramic ware exports, according to the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA).
Paragon Ceramic Industries Ltd chief executive officer (global marketing) Ashraful Abedin Nowshad said local products have a great demand in the US and the EU.
To boost exports, the government has recently declared to provide 10 per cent incentives for the exporters, he added.
Mr Nowshad said skilled labour force is a great resource that is a boon for ceramic industry like other sectors in the country.
"We're using the most advanced bone china technology and the availability of labour is relatively easy compared with the developed nations," he explained.
Local companies are producing high-quality ceramic and porcelain ware, which have been able to explore markets, the Paragon executive said.
He further said that the quality of products like dinner sets, tea and coffee sets is much better than that of India and China.
Exports would increase this FY, thanks to orders coming from some new markets, Mr Nowshad expressed the hope.
BCMEA president Shirajul Islam Mollah said, "Uninterrupted power and gas supply can make us one of the three largest global ceramic exporters."
The United States has raised tariffs against hundreds of Chinese products, including ceramic items, he said.
Mr Mollah said local companies are eying to reap the benefits from the US tariff hike.
Two dozen of companies have emerged in the country in recent years following sound domestic and global markets, he mentioned.
According to the BCMEA, 65 ceramic manufacturers are currently producing tableware, tiles and sanitary ware.
More than 0.5 million people are now employed in the sector having a market size of Tk 290 billion.

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