The ceramics industry is a growing manufacturing sector in Bangladesh. The industry started during the late 1950s when the first ceramic industrial plants were established. The industry mainly produces tableware, sanitaryware and tiles. As of 2011, there were 21 ceramic industrial units throughout Bangladesh, employing about 500,000 people. In the first nine months of the 2013-14 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported about US$36 million worth of goods after meeting 80% of the domestic demand. The main export destinations are the EU, USA and the Middle-East.
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History
The first ceramic plant was established in Bogra in 1958. Owned by Tajma Ceramic Industries, it was a small manufacturing plant for porcelain tableware.
Peoples Ceramic Industries, formerly Pakistan Ceramic Industries, started production in 1966.
Bengal Fine Ceramics Ltd, the first Bangladeshi stoneware manufacturer, began its operations in 1986.
One of the largest ceramic manufacturers in Bangladesh, Monno Ceramics, was established in 1985 to produce porcelain tableware with other ceramic items later.
Shinepukur Ceramics was established in 1997 for the production of bone china and porcelain tableware. Shinepukur later captured around 60% of the domestic market.
Foreign investment
The ceramics industry sector has attracted foreign investment. The investments have mainly been from China and the Middle East states. Some of the major joint venture partners are RAK Ceramics, Fu Wang and China-Bangla, of which the largest is RAK of the UAE, and who have about 80% of the domestic sanitaryware market.
Export destinations and international competitors
Ceramic products have been exported to more than 45 countries. The largest export destinations are the United States, Italy, Spain, France, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Australia and Sweden.
China and Thailand are amongst the major competitors in the international market for Bangladeshi ceramic manufacturers. However, the low labour costs of the local manufacturers has put Bangladesh in a strong position. ref