U.S. tile consumption for 2011 was 2.04 billion sq. ft. (+1.8% vs. 2010).
The following table shows U.S. tile shipments, imports, exports, and total consumption in thousands of sq. ft.
Imports
In 2011, 1.41 billion sq. ft. (131.0 million sq. m) of ceramic tile arrived in the U.S. This was an increase of 1.1% from 2010, in which 1.39 billion sq. ft. (129.6 million sq. m) of ceramic tile were imported into the U.S., and a 5.8% increase from 2009.
Although imports still comprise the majority of U.S. consumption, import penetration has fallen in each of the last five years and in 2011 was at 69.2%, the lowest it has been since 1998.
Mexico remained the top exporter to the U.S. in 2011 (in sq. ft.) with a 29.9% share. China held the second position, making up 27.8% of imports (in sq. ft.). Italy was in third place with a 17.1% share.
On a dollar basis, Italy continued to hold the top exporter position in 2011, making up 34.3% of U.S. imports. The next two highest shares belonged to China and Mexico, which had 22.6% and 18.0% of the $ value of U.S. imports, respectively.
The $ value/sq. ft. of all tile imports rose from $0.91 in 2010 to $0.94 in 2011.
The top five countries from which tiles were imported in 2011 based on sq. ft. were:
The top five countries from which tiles were imported in 2011 based on total U.S. $ value (including duty, freight, and insurance) were:
U.S. Shipments:
Domestic shipments were at 672.6 million sq. ft. in 2011, up 3.6% from 2010.
Exports:
U.S. exports in 2011 were at 45.3 million sq. ft., up 7.7% vs. 2010. The vast majority of these exports (in sq. ft.) were to Canada (47.2%), China (19.0%), and Mexico (10.4%).
(Source: U.S. Commerce Dept.)