Almost a decade ago, Bangladesh tile industry was very shrinking due to less local demand. At that time the country had to depend upon imported tiles. But now the time of tiles market has changed in Bangladesh due to increased domestic demand. The country has carried out many projects to increase the construction of houses and renovation work over the period. New local investors and some foreign investors have come into the action to provide different kind of tiles to new infrastructure in Bangladesh.
The country’s tile market is expanding by over 200 million square meters every year. And it is servicing 80% of local demands. If the market will get more investors and infrastructure, then, it will start exporting tiles to other regions as well. Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) President, Shirajul Islam Mollah told, that in Bangladesh most of the tile makers use world-class SACMI technology to make tiles. This technology ensures high quality, and cost-effective floor and wall Antique tiles of endless designs.
Tile production in Bangladesh is gas-based industry, and there is a gas crisis running in the country. The government will provide enough gas supply to tile market that will grow it. According to BCMEA data, currently 28 local companies are making tiles, and their investment amount is Tk5,000 crore while 20,000 people got employment here.
Irfan Uddin, General Secretary at BCMEA, said. “Currently, tableware and sanitary ware of ceramics are not considered as luxury products but tiles are still considered as luxury items and so the tiles manufacturers have to pay 15% supplementary duty and 15% VAT.”
