Türkiye’s Ceramics and Glass Industry in 2025: A Global Export Powerhouse

As of 2025, Türkiye stands as one of the world’s key production and export centers for ceramics and glass. With ceramic exports reaching 2.2 billion USD, Türkiye holds the fourth position globally after China, Italy, and Spain. The Cement, Glass, Ceramics and Soil Products Exporters’ Association (ÇCSİB) reported total exports worth 4.5 billion USD in 2024, reflecting the sector’s robust global presence and strategic growth efforts.

Performance of the Ceramic Sector

Türkiye’s ceramic industry demonstrated impressive growth during the first quarter of 2025. Export performances by key categories are as follows:

• ceramic tiles and coverings: a 16.7% increase
• ceramic sanitary ware: a 9.4% increase
• frit, glaze, and pigment: a 14.3% increase
• technical ceramics: a 20.0% increase

Following a 2% contraction in 2024 due to weak global demand and price stagnation, the sector regained momentum in 2025. Ceramic covering material exports rose by 6–8%, and sanitary ware exports increased by 4–5%. By year-end, Türkiye’s total ceramic exports exceeded 1.3 billion USD.

Key Product Segments and Market Strength

Türkiye maintains a competitive edge in several product categories:

• frit and glaze exports to European and U.S. markets have accelerated, particularly in technical frits
• sanitary ceramics are enjoying high demand across the Middle East and North Africa
• domestic pigment producers are investing in chromium-free systems through local R&D

In the first quarter of 2025, the United States increased its imports of Turkish frits and pigments by 18%, strengthening Türkiye’s position in advanced material markets.

Glass Industry: A Global Manufacturing Hub

Türkiye’s glass industry, with a 90-year history, now boasts a production and processing capacity exceeding 4 million tons. The sector operates with 98% local raw material usage, reflecting a strong domestic supply chain. Over the past five years, exports have grown by more than 50%, supported by intensive investment in R&D, innovation, and eco-friendly manufacturing.

Globally, the glass and glassware market expanded by 6% in 2024, reaching a value of 230 billion USD. Continuing this trajectory, the sector is projected to exceed 283 billion USD by 2028, with an annual average growth rate of 5.4%.

Türkiye’s Cement Exports: A Strategic Focus on the U.S. Market

The Turkish cement industry exported 19 million tons valued at 1.1 billion USD in 2024, serving over 100 countries. Türkiye accounted for 10% of total global cement and clinker exports and 15% of sea-transport-based shipments. The United States remains the top export destination, with Türkiye meeting 30% of U.S. cement imports and 7% of its total consumption. In early 2025, export volumes increased by 14% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Priority Export Markets

The European Union remains Türkiye’s principal market for ceramic exports, with Italy, Germany, and France leading among importers. The U.S. market plays a crucial role for frit, pigment, and cement categories. In addition, reconstruction-driven demand in the Middle East and Africa has boosted tile and sanitary ware exports. To mitigate the impact of slow growth in Europe, exporters are diversifying toward the U.S., African, and Middle Eastern markets.

Competitive Advantages of Türkiye’s Materials Sector

Türkiye’s ceramics and glass sectors enjoy several structural advantages:

• geographical proximity allows for cost-efficient shipping and low freight rates
• energy costs improved compared to 2023 levels
• strong production infrastructure and flexible order capabilities support rapid delivery
• 70% of exporting firms are exploring new regions such as South America and the Far East
• 82% of the export value generated by ceramics stays within Türkiye, reinforcing domestic economic value

Challenges Facing the Industry

Despite its strong performance, the industry faces notable obstacles:

• partial dependence on China for raw materials
• increasing regulatory pressures under the European Green Deal, especially regarding carbon footprint and recyclable packaging
• technology investment gaps in technical ceramics
• unfair competition from countries such as China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Egypt, and Iran offering products below cost

Transformation and Sustainability

Approximately 70% of Turkish ceramic producers have shifted toward eco-friendly production using low-firing frits and lead-free glazes. In the glass industry, new products include energy-saving coated glass, solar glass for photovoltaic panels, lightweight bottles, and designer home glassware. Compared with the previous year, more stable energy prices in 2025 have accelerated production efficiency.

Sectoral Strategies and Policy Recommendations

According to ÇCSİB Chairman Erdem Çenesiz, maintaining competitiveness requires several policy measures: exchange rate adjustments in line with producer inflation, easier access to financing, longer export loan maturities, and lower interest rates. Industry representatives emphasize that sustainable competitiveness should prioritize design quality, product innovation, and logistics performance over price-based competition. Expanding market presence in Latin America and Africa remains among the key strategic goals for 2025 and beyond.