Exports are fuelling the expansion of Italy's ceramics sector, which will grow by some four percent this year and turn over more than five billion euros, according to it main business association, Confindustria Ceramica.
"The most dynamic part of the market is exports, which now amount to over 80 percent of turnover and were worth 2.23 billion euros in the first six months of the year," said Confindustria Ceramica's promotions and exhibitions chief Emilio Mussini.
"The globalisation of the sector's production means this will reach some 480 million square metres worldwide," he said.
United States and Asia, where exports climbed 32.4 percent and by 11.2 percent respectively, were especially buoyant markets, Mussini said.
"All the main export markets have performed strongly," he stated.
He was speaking to media on the opening day of the 33rd International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, taking place in the northern Italian city of Bologna from Tuesday to Friday.
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