Global Sanitaryware Export & Import Trends
Dec 23, 2025
Global Sanitaryware Export & Import Trends
Global Sanitaryware Export & Import Trends
Ceramic World Review recently published updated data on worldwide sanitaryware trade, outlining trends in exports and imports over the last decade. Between 2010 and 2024, global sanitaryware commerce volume increased by 72%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%. After nearly a decade of consistent expansion, world exports peaked in 2021 with a 17.3% post-pandemic recovery, followed by two years of decline. Exports increased by 6.6% year on year in 2024, owing primarily to Chinese growth.
China Dominates Global Sanitaryware Exports
Asia led the global export market in 2024, shipping 2.68 million tons of sanitaryware-a 15.4% increase year-on-year, accounting for 72% of worldwide exports. China was the key contributor, exporting a record 2.17 million tons (+19.7% ), representing 81% of Asia's exports and 58.4% of global sanitaryware exports.
Outside Asia, the European Union exported 432,128 tons, down slightly by 0.3% from 2023. Poland, Germany, and Portugal saw minor declines of 1.7%-2.4%, together accounting for half of EU exports. North America's exports fell sharply to 275,899 tons (-28.5%), mainly due to Mexico's decline of 28%. Nevertheless, Mexico remained the world's second-largest exporter, tied with India.
Top Exporting Countries
| Country | Exports (tons) | YoY Change | Global Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 2,171,280 | +19.7% | 58.4% |
| Mexico | 253,310 | -28.1% | 6.8% |
| India | 252,934 | -4.6% | 6.8% |
Asia Leads Imports, U.S. Holds Largest Demand
In 2024, Asia imported 1,126,994 tons of sanitaryware, up 13.3% YoY, accounting for 30.3% of global imports. North America imported 1,009,113 tons (+3.4%), while the EU imported 753,362 tons (+6.5%), representing 27.1% and 20.3% of global imports, respectively. The remaining 23% was shared among Africa, South America, non-EU Europe, and Oceania.
| Country | Imports (tons) | YoY Change | Global Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 851,394 | +4.7% | 22.9% |
| Germany | 123,351 | +5.2% | - |
| South Korea | 123,124 | +25.8% | - |
| UK | - | - | - |
| France | - | -5.4% | - |
| Spain | - | - | - |
| Saudi Arabia | - | - | - |
| Vietnam | - | +27% | - |
| Mexico | - | - | - |
| Canada | - | -18% | - |
Regional Trade Patterns and Global Reach
Among seven major production regions, four retained most of their exports within the region:
- North America: 97.5% (primarily U.S. market)
- South America: 77% retained within Latin America
- EU: 79% circulated internally
- Oceania: 69% self-sufficiency
In contrast, non-EU Europe exported 83% outside the region (mainly to the EU), Africa 76%, and Asia 60%, demonstrating that Chinese sanitaryware products have a truly global footprint.
