PRESS RELEASE BY MBD...

UK CERAMIC TILES MARKET RESEARCH REPORT

RELEASED: FEBRUARY 2008

After researching the UK ceramic tiles market development and taking into account various other factors the following conclusions can be drawn from MBD's report:

MARKET REVIEW 2003-2007:

In volume terms, the UK market for ceramic tiles increased by an estimated 5% to 97.4 million m2 in 2007, consolidating strong growth of 18% recorded in the previous year. During the five year review period up to 2007, volume sales of ceramic tiles have increased year-on-year, with growth mainly reflecting increased imports. Demand for ceramic tiles has been largely driven by a buoyant construction market, in particular in the private and public residential sectors. The commercial construction sector has also demonstrated strong growth during a number of years. In 2007, sales growth is believed to have moderated during the second half of the year, reflecting increased economic uncertainties and a slowdown in the housing market and new housebuilding activity, in particular during the second half of the year.

In value terms, the ceramic tiles market is believed to have increased by a more moderate 1% in 2007, taking sales to £389.5 million. This follows similar growth levels recorded between 2004 and 2006. The more modest market development in value terms than in volume terms reflects the strong increase in cheaper imports from lower cost countries, notably in the Far East, at the expense of traditional importers from Spain and Italy. Thus, value growth is believed to have been restricted during much of the review period.

MARKET FORECAST 2008-2011:

Volume sales of ceramic tiles are forecast to reach some 116.5 million m2 in 2012, representing overall growth of 20% compared with 2007. Sales are anticipated to increase year-on-year, with annual growth levels expected to fluctuate between 2% and 6%. Moderate sales growth is projected in the short-term, reflecting a slowdown in the housing market and the more unstable economic climate. Overall market growth is expected to be driven by continued positive output growth in the construction sector, albeit at more moderate levels than in recent years, as well as by the increased popularity of ceramic tiles in particular in the flooring sector.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

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