Industry Analysis & Industry Trends
Much of the nation's ceramic production capacity slipped into obsolescence late in the 20th century, and the industry has struggled to compete with the low-cost tableware and cookware imports sourced from China and the Far East. The scale of the industry's decline has been dramatic since the late 1990s. The Ceramic Household & Ornamental Article Manufacturing industry is expected to generate revenue totalling £350 million in 2011-12, down by about 1.4% from the previous year. Industry value added is expected to be about £140 million or 0.01% of UK GDP in 2011-12.
Industry revenue is expected to decline an average 3.3% per annum over the five years through 2011-12, exceeding the downwards trend in UK GDP of 0.4% per annum... purchase to read more
Industry Report - Industry Products Chapter
The industry produces a range of tableware, kitchenware, general household goods and ornamental articles made from a variety of ceramics, including earthenware, porcelain and stoneware products.
Tableware generally includes fine china crockery sets and ceramic serving dishes; kitchenware mainly includes ceramic mugs, baking dishes and jugs; household and toilet articles include vases, toilet brush containers and soap dispensers; ornamental articles range from statuettes and figurines, through to wall and table decorations (e.g. hanging ducks and floral arrangements).
Porcelain is translucent ceramic generally made from a mixture of kaolin and ball clays and fired at high temperatures (1200 degrees Celsius up to 1800 degrees Celsius)... purchase to read more