There has been a shift in emphasis over the past decade or so in the Australian market for imported ceramic tiles. Previously, imports from traditional centres of European manufacturing such as Italy and Spain were dominant; however, in recent years it is Asian manufacturers who have gained the largest share of the Australian import market. One of the countries that has been at the forefront of this change has been Thailand, which has now firmly established itself as one of the leading producers of ceramic tiles for Australian homes. Of the 28 million square metres of tiles imported into Australia in 2012, almost 2 million square metres came from Thailand, making that country Australia’s fifth largest source of imported tiles.
Thailand takes tile design and production extremely seriously, as evidenced by the significant research and development the industry undertakes, with support from the Thai government. The work of the National Metal and Materials Technology Centre and its Ceramics Technology Research Unit, has meant that Thai tile manufacturers are now in the vanguard in terms of tile technology and design, and this is why the country’s leading producers are amongst the most innovative and forward thinking in the industry, and why the world’s largest ceramic tile manufacturer is a Thai company.
Part of the reason for the popularity of Thai-made tiles in Australia is the quality of the design and manufacturing process. Often, the designs of Thai tiles have been licensed from Italian manufacturers and, as a consequence, Thai companies have in turn invested heavily in equipment, such as grinding and kiln firing machinery. At the same time, there are also Thai manufacturers who have retained some some older production techniques, and this is why the range of ceramic tiles available from Thailand is so wide and varied. The workforce in Thailand has also become increasingly skilled over the last twenty or so years, another reason why the country is able to produce such a high-quality product that is attractive to the Australian market.
Thailand’s leading manufacturers are now producing premium quality porcelain tiles that are made to the highest European standards, as well as a number of stunning ranges of high quality whitebody and glazed ceramic tiles. Quality standards throughout the industry are rigorous and much higher than in some neighbouring countries. This means that if you are buying imported Thai tiles from one of their leading manufacturers, you can be sure that you are buying a high-quality, expertly-made and durable product that has been produced to international standards.
Speak to a ceramic tile specialist or design consultant to enquire about the superior ranges of tiles from Thailand that are now available in Australia. The innovative designs, range of styles and the premium quality of imported tiles from Thailand means that Australian homeowners now have any number of new and exciting lines to choose from.