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Happy New Year to all our readers. We wish you a year filled with growth, prosperity and success.

The ceramic industry in Bangladesh has been one of the sectors that has been growing rapidly over the past few years. It serves 85% of local demand as the economy thrives and urbanisation accelerates, putting it on track to become the country’s third largest export sector within five years. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) reports that ceramic products are exported to more than 50 countries, including the UK, the US, Italy, Spain, Norway, France, Netherlands, and Australia. Given that by 2025, the global market for ceramic products is expected to reach $408 billion and Bangladesh’s ceramic manufacturers appear well-positioned to capture a share of this growing market, it seems the Bengal Tiger is poised to roar loud and clear in the years ahead.

Over the border in India, Bangladesh’s neighbour and world leader in ceramic manufacturing, is experiencing an increase in raw material demand due to high production levels. Ceramic production in the country has experienced unprecedented growth, creating both challenges and opportunities for raw material suppliers. An insightful report by Yogender Singh Malik examines the raw materials used in the country’s ceramic industry as well as how well-prepared the country is to tackle these challenges and explore the opportunities.

Meanwhile, ceramic tile production in Indonesia has resumed growth since the reduction in natural gas prices was implemented in 2020. There has also been a return to normalcy for the country’s economy, resulting in an increase in domestic tile consumption. The comprehensive review of ceramic tile production in the country conducted by Jahir Ahmed indicates that the industry has recovered from a five-year stagnation in capacity utilisation. For a country currently experiencing a construction boom and in which ceramics are increasingly important to the industrial and construction industries, this is encouraging news.

This year marks the 17th anniversary of Indian Ceramics Asia, which will take place from 15-17 February 2023 at Helipad Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. A major trade show for ceramics equipment and supplies, the show covers the entire gamut, from classic ceramics to raw materials and technical ceramics. Taking place every year concurrently with Ceramics Asia, Indian Ceramics is Asia’s largest ceramic and brick trade show. In 2023, the event will be spread over 12,000 square meters and be home to over 250 brands from India, Europe, China, and other countries. It would be great to see you there.