Portuguese Association of the Ceramics and Glassware Industry (Apicer) is showcasing its high quality ceramics products for the first time in the Middle East during The Big 5, a major event for the construction industry, in Dubai, UAE.

The Big 5 is taking place from November 26 to 29 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

According to industry trade statistics between the EU and the GCC countries, the stone, glass and ceramics import figures in 2016 reached a total of 174 million euros, while export figures a total of 1,441 million euros in the same year.

“The Big 5 gives us a great opportunity to showcase our innovative ceramic products, and demonstrate our long-standing heritage and expertise in the industry”, said José Sequeira, president of Apicer. “We are confident that through our participation, the bi-lateral trade relations in the ceramics and glassware products sector will be further cemented between the EU and the GCC markets”.

In 2016, export figures of Portuguese ceramic and domestic glass products together exceeded $800,000, reaching a record number in the history of the ceramics and glassware industries.

Between 2015 and 2016, Portuguese exports of ceramic products grew by 6.3 per cent globally, while exports to the UAE grew by almost 60 per cent. For glassware products, export figures increased by 13.4 per cent in 2016, while UAE grew tenfold.

Considering all ceramic products, the UAE was the 19th international market for Portuguese exports and the 29th glassware destination market.

The ceramic products that contributed most to the growth of the UAE market in Portuguese exports were ceramics for domestic use in earthenware and stoneware, glazed wall and floor tiles and sanitary ware, with variations of over 450 per cent, 55 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively, in 2016 compared to 2015. – TradeArabia News Service