Spanish ceramics is not only one of the most important industries in our country, but it is also synonymous with international leadership.It is difficult to date the first samples of ceramics applied to the architecture; nevertheless, it can be said that in Spain, this sector began to develop in the fourteenth century in Mantises (Valencia), and then the Spanish tile uk was established as an international leader in the sector: Valencia tiles were exported to Venice, Egypt, Syria, and Turkey. Italy was the most important customer and Mantises became the pavement supplier for the Papacy, whose rooms he decorated during the fifteenth century. Nowadays, the tile of our country is still a reference in the world.

The Spanish industry of manufacturers of ceramic tiles, flat pieces of low thickness made of clays, silica, fluxes, dyes, and other raw materials is one of the most dynamic and innovative in our country and, within the world ceramic sector, is positioned as a leader in terms of technological development, design and quality of the product and service.

This quality and innovation of Spanish products allow the ceramic industry to be one of the most competitive in the international scene. The data proves it:

• Spain is the first European exporter, and second worldwide, and reaches rates of between 15 and 18% of international trade.

• Although the Spanish ceramic network is made up of almost all SMEs and companies of family origin, our country has become the second-largest producer in the world for years and, according to the latest available figures for 2008, is in fourth place with 5.8% of world production.

• The average annual turnover of the sector in the last decade has been close to 3,500 million euros.

• The average coverage rate in the trade balance of the sector of the last decade exceeds 2,300% and is a national leader among the main industrial sectors.

According to the latest data from 2015, the Spanish ceramic industry continues to lead the international market. Of the global turnover of the sector, 80% corresponds to exports, and total sales have grown 6% to reach 3,075 million euros. Spanish ceramic products are present in 186 countries.

The destinations of the export of Spanish ceramics are varied, although among them are France, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, United States, and Algeria. The sector has registered an increase in all the regions to which it exports.

According to the aforementioned 2015 data, the export to the European Union has experienced a global growth of 12.2%, which highlights the positive evolution of the United Kingdom with the growth of the order of 21.2%. France, the first destination, grows 4% and Germany 1.4%.

Regarding exports to non-European markets in 2015, sales to the Middle East and Asia increased by 10.3% and 10.7% respectively. In the United States, the increase has been registered in 40.3% and shows a very favorable evolution and consolidating this country in the fourth position of our ranking of destinations. The Russian Federation is another important destination, with 7th place in that ranking.

The Spanish ceramic industry continues to lead the international market

Spanish ceramics continue to open new horizons in research within the field of materials for architecture and habitat. Recently, multiple and innovative concrete solutions that combine technology and ceramic materials have been implemented, always taking into account the principle of sustainability.

Spain is, together with Italy, the leading country in energy efficiency in ceramic manufacturing and is located a great distance from the other tile producing countries of the European Union. Besides, comparative studies with the Italian homologous industry show higher levels of thermal energy efficiency and, consequently, lower specific emissions of CO2 in the industry of our country.