(February 2026) | Following the downturn recorded in 2024, ceramic tile consumption in the United States is expected to decline again in 2025. If confirmed, this would mark the fourth consecutive year of shrinking demand which, after the sharp contraction in 2023–2024, has been further weakened by an increasingly uncertain macroeconomic environment, exacerbated by US government trade policies.
According to data from the United States International Trade Commission, regarding goods landed in the US during the first ten months of the year, ceramic tile imports in 2025 were, as of October, broadly in line with 2024 levels. Total imports amounted to 148.5 million square metres, down by 0.1% year on year, with a value of approximately USD 1.62 billion, again broadly unchanged compared with the same period in 2024. As a result, imports continue to account for over 70% of total consumption, confirming the United States as the world’s primary target market for ceramic tiles.
In terms of import volumes by origin, Spain strengthened its leading position, reaching 31.8 million square metres, up 19% on the same period the previous year. Italy followed, increasing exports to the US to 26 million square metres (+11%), while India, despite remaining a major supplier, recorded a sharp contraction (-19.4%) to 25.4 million square metres. Mexico significantly reduced its export volumes (-14.8%) to 19.5 million square metres, while Turkey experienced an even steeper decline (-23.7%), falling to 8.3 million square metres. Imports from Brazil increased by 6.1%, to 12 million square metres. At lower volumes, Malaysia and Peru also posted growth, with the latter recording an increase of over 100%.
In value terms, Italy confirmed its position as the leading supplier to the US market, with exports totalling USD 514 million in the first ten months of 2025, up by more than 8% compared with 2024, and with an average price approximately double that of its competitors. Spain followed, approaching USD 450 million with growth of 11.5%, while Mexico showed a marked decline (-22%) to USD 165 million.
The tariff tensions that characterised 2025 have undoubtedly affected imports, creating a climate of significant uncertainty and triggering a “front-loading” effect. This led to orders being substantially brought forward in the early months of the year amid fears of tariff escalations against major exporting countries, followed by a sharp downturn towards year’s end. Initial evidence from the final months of 2025 points to a very pronounced reduction in exports to the United States, a trend that is pushing down expectations for cumulative imports in 2025 and, consequently, for overall consumption.
Against this unstable backdrop and generally weak demand, domestic sales by US manufacturers recorded a sharp contraction in the first ten months of the year, falling to 56 million square metres, down by around 8% compared with the same period of 2024. The value of domestic sales stood at USD 1.12 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 3.9%.
As of October 2025, US consumption is therefore estimated at approximately 204.5 million square metres, down 2.4% year on year. Taking into account the specific ordering dynamics described above, the outlook for the end of the year points towards a further slowdown. According to estimates provided by Prometeia, demand for ceramic tiles is expected to undergo a further, slight adjustment in the current year (-0.8%), followed by a moderate recovery in 2027 (+1.8%). This would keep consumption broadly stable at around 250 million square metres.
(cover photo by Mariusz – stock.adobe.com)
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