Economics and markets

Sergio Cardenas, President of Vitromex USA

Donald E. Olsen, president and CEO

Giampaolo Acerbi Marca Corona Export Manager for America & Canada

The production capacity is 50 million sq.m more than national consumption

Roberto Franceschin (Vice President for Sales and Distribution, StonePeak Ceramics) and Marco Carrucciu (Marketing Manager, StonePeak Ceramics)

Aldo Magnani marketing manager Ragno USA

Lori Kirk-Rolley, Marketing Director

We have expanded by 20% in this market and intend to grow by another 20% during 2006

“Our export share is one of the highest in the sector at 78 million dollars, including more than 60 million dollars for the markets in USA, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico”

Rising energy costs and the consequent reduction in profit margins are major causes for concern

According to initial estimates, the Spanish machinery manufacturers and glaze producers have maintained results in line with 2004

turnover up but company profitability down in 2005

Volumes remain stationary at 570 million square metres in 2005 (-3%) Exports down by 23 million square metres (-5%) to 390 million sq.m.

Labelling extended to ceramic sector

Web preview of top ten Spanish producers

The positive figures for the sector’s economic performance were also unveiled

Production down 2.3%, sales down 0.73%, turnover up 3%

400,000 new houses to be built by the end of the year

Installed capacity estimated to have reached 120 million sq.m

Coverings confirms the popularity of Italian tile in the United States