Jakarta – While the influx of ceramic tiles from China has subsided after the government imposed a protective tariff, local ceramic tile producers are concerned by the influx of similar products from India.
According to the Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (Asaki), ceramic imports from China declined 14 to 15 percent in the first quarter of 2019.
"Meanwhile, imports from India jumped significantly," said Asaki chairman Edy Suyanto in Jakarta on Sunday as quoted by kontan.co.id.He did not mention an exact figure.
Edy projected ceramic production would reach 75 percent of the installed production capacity, which was 550 square meters.
Edy said Asaki was monitoring the entry of ceramic tiles from India and would consider seeking protection from the government.
He said as usual, ceramic tile sales were stagnant in the first quarter but the association hoped sales in the second quarter would increase by 2 to 3 percent owing to increased demand ahead of Idul Fitri.
Edy, however, believed ceramic tile demand would increase during the second half of 2019, supported by higher demand from both retailers and construction projects.
However, not all ceramic tile producers expect sales to increase ahead of Idul Fitri. PT Cahaya Putra Asa Keramik, for example, projected sales to decline in the second quarter because of limited transportation.
Cahaya Putra director Juli Berliana also projected a decline in production because of the long Idul Fitri holiday. (bnn)