Saudi Arabia consumes 60% of imported ceramic, porcelain: Alfanar official

Saudi Arabia’s ceramic and porcelain factories have witnessed challenging conditions in 2017 and 2018, Ahmed Al Mutlaq, general manager of Alfanar Ceramic & Porcelain Factory told Argaam.

“Saudi Arabia consumes around 60% of the imported ceramic and porcelain products,” Al Mutlaq added.

Ceramic and porcelain exporting countries shipped a big portion of their production to the GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, which weighed on local producers, he said.

Ceramic imports reached 120-150 million square meters per annum (sqm/p.a.) over the last five years, with local consumption at 180-240 million sqm/ p.a. over the same period.

Ceramic imports negatively impacted the local production, Al Mutlaq said, adding that Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) obliged all local producers to apply for the quality certificate to maintain high quality of production.

Alfanar’s Exa Alfanar Porcelain was incepted in 2007, and launched production in August 2009. The company has managed to triple its production to 17 million sqm pa.

The company owns six ceramic kilns, producing ceramic and porcelain tiles and is considered one of Saudi market’s major players, Al Mutlaq indicated.

“Over eleven years, the company has sought to boost its presence in the Saudi market to provide high-quality products locally and overseas,” he noted.

According to Al Mutlaq, Exa is licensed by the Ministry of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, and is applying for more licenses which will likely be obtained by year-end.

Alfanar reported strong sales revenues over the last nine months, backed by high local demand, he stated.

He further added that the company will be the main beneficiary of the Saudi housing projects.