[🇧🇩] Ceramic Industry in Bangladesh

[Bilal9]

LEGACY, LUSTRE, LUXURY​

With a 40-year legacy, Monno Ceramic has become a household name and an international brand, celebrated for its exquisite design and global recognition.

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Monno Ceramic is one of the largest pioneering ceramic tableware manufacturers in Bangladesh. Starting its journey in 1984 to produce porcelain tableware, Monno Ceramic secured its first export order the following year. Monno’s premium quality tableware has garnered attention on a global scale which has been directly reflected by the continuous market demand from international retailers, hotel groups, distributors, and wholesalers. What sets Monno Ceramic apart in this highly competitive ceramic tableware market is its utilisation of modern technology to produce high-quality, creative, and artistic designs in every Monno Ceramic tableware.



Founder Harunur Rashid Khan Monno’s dream was to manufacture world-class quality products – a principle that has continued to be reflected in every Monno product – bone china, porcelain, and high alumina hotel ware. Each body composition is made from the finest raw materials sourced internationally to ensure superior quality. The products are meticulously crafted and transformed into an exquisite tabletop, mirroring a unique blend of eye-catching shapes, enviable translucency, and durability. These are strengthened by a highly calibrated test protocol for metal release, thermal shock resistance, chemical resistance, scratch resistance, chip resistance and dishwasher and freezer safety. Lead and cadmium-free colour pigments from Germany produce the finest in-glaze and on-glaze decals that bring any designer’s artwork to life.



Colour-glazed and spray-coloured porcelain and bone china are Monno Ceramic’s greatest strengths. The exclusive line of lustre colours epitomises luxury and sophistication with its mirror-like finish and vibrant colours.

The promise of uncompromised quality and commitment to excellence means Monno Ceramic is constantly upgrading its machinery and technology to meet world-class standards. Monno’s modern production line, with its advanced machinery and expert workmanship, ensures low operating costs and the finest quality. It is this advanced production facility that has made Monno Ceramic one of the best outsourcing destinations in the world for ceramic tableware.



Monno Ceramic collaborates with renowned designers such as Queensberry Hunt, Nick Holland, and Billy Lloyd for the Western market. These influential voices, accompanied by several other famous brands, vouch for Monno Ceramic’s design and quality.

Recently, ‘Monno Design’, the company’s London-based design studio was launched with a focus on developing in-house tableware collections for the global market and promoting Monno Ceramic worldwide.

To showcase its exquisite designs, Monno Ceramic has participated in ‘Ambiente’, the world’s leading lifestyle exhibition for the last 36 years in Frankfurt, Germany. Monno Ceramic also regularly participates in lifestyle exhibitions in Japan, Qatar, and India.



The artistry and creativity of Monno Ceramic tableware have created a prominent global presence for Monno Ceramic, complemented by its robust export portfolio, earning them global recognition. Monno Ceramic has been awarded the ‘National Export Trophy’ a record twelve times by the Government of Bangladesh. Monno Ceramic is also one of the few companies in the world that complies with all kinds of international standards. An ISO 9001:2015 certified company, Monno Ceramic has certification of Sedex, BSCI for social compliance, and C-TPAT for global security.



From the beginning, Monno Ceramic has prioritised quality by focusing on innovation, investing in new technologies and prioritising the trust of its customers. Embarking on its 40th year in 2024, Monno Ceramic continues to be a leader in the ceramic tableware industry by staying true to its five core brand values – respect, leadership, accountability, teamwork and growth. The ethos of these core values is reflected in the fine and intricate design of each and every Monno Ceramic product, making it one of the biggest household names in the industry.



Photographs: Courtesy of Monno Ceramic

 

[Saif]

Ceramics face double blow: gas crisis and tax burden

The country’s ceramic industry is facing a severe crisis due to an ongoing gas shortage and the recent imposition of supplementary duty (SD) on the sale of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware, according to industry leaders.

www.thedailystar.net

Ceramics face double blow: gas crisis and tax burden

The country's ceramic industry is facing a severe crisis due to an ongoing gas shortage and the recent imposition of supplementary duty (SD) on the sale of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware, according to industry leaders.

"The government should ensure a stable gas supply," urged Moynul Islam, acting president of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA), yesterday.

"…and withdraw the supplementary duty on ceramic tiles and sanitary ware to support the industry's continued growth during this crisis," he told a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

The BCMEA leader stated that the ongoing gas shortage and high production costs are major problems for the industry.

He called for urgent government intervention to recognise ceramics as a "priority industry," which they believe is essential for maintaining local production, retaining employment, and ensuring global competitiveness.

The ceramics sector, which generates Tk 500 crore in annual export earnings and provides employment to over 500,000 people, is struggling due to inconsistent gas supplies and escalating costs, he said.

In spite of ensuring a 150 percent growth in production and investment over the past decade, many manufacturers are now facing operational uncertainties, said Islam.

Islam said the ceramic industry has become a significant alternative to imports, saving approximately $2 billion annually for the local economy.

He added that more than 80 ceramic factories in Bangladesh are currently meeting 85 percent of domestic demand, while also generating substantial export revenue.

The BCMEA reported that the sector has attracted a total investment of Tk 18,000 crore, with ceramic manufacturers paying Tk 1,200 crore in gas bills annually.

However, ongoing gas shortages have severely impacted business operations, leaving many factories struggling to maintain production for the past year, it said.

The factories are in areas such as Dhaka (Mirpur, Savar, Islambagh, Dhamrai, and Kalampur), Narayanganj (Rupganj and Meghnaghat), Gazipur (Tongi, Kashimpur, Bhabanipur, Sripur, and Mawna), Narsingdi (Pachdona), and Mymensingh (Bhaluka and Trishal).

Instead of the required 15 pounds per square inch (PSI), gas pressure often drops to 2 PSI to 3 PSI or even reaches zero, causing daily production losses of over Tk 20 crore, said Islam.

Many ceramic companies have been forced to halt investment plans, while newly established factories remain non-operational due to the crisis, he said.

"This not only restricts business expansion but also limits job opportunities for thousands of workers," Islam stated.

The BCMEA also raised concerns over the continuous increase in gas prices, which has significantly driven up production costs.

Between 2015 and 2023, industrial gas prices surged by 345 percent, including by 150 percent in 2023 alone, it said.

This has led to an 18 percent to 20 percent increase in production costs, making it increasingly difficult for local manufacturers to compete with imported products, it said.

Islam cited that recent reports indicate the government is considering another 152 percent gas price hike, which would further inflate production costs by 30 percent to 35 percent.

"This would not only impact the ceramic industry but also raise transportation and operational expenses, ultimately affecting end consumers," he stated.

The BCMEA called on the government to reconsider the proposed price hike to safeguard the sector's competitiveness in local and global markets.

Another pressing demand from the BCMEA was for the withdrawal of the supplementary duty (SD) on the sale of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware.

Currently, a 15 percent SD is imposed on the sale of ceramic tiles, while sanitary ware faces a 10 percent duty.

Mir Nasir Hossain, former president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and adviser to the BCMEA, emphasised the importance of uninterrupted gas supply for ceramic production.

"Gas is a crucial component in ceramic manufacturing, requiring a continuous 24-hour supply at a specific pressure level. Any drop in pressure can cause immediate damage to products, leading to substantial financial losses," he said.

Hossain warned that ongoing production disruptions could push manufacturers into financial distress, making them prone to becoming bank defaulters due to high interest rates.

Some companies are already on the path of collapse due to the gas shortages, he claimed, adding that despite the inadequate gas supply, factories are still required to pay the same utility bills.

Md Mamunur Rashid, vice president of the BCMEA, criticised the proposed gas price increase for new factories, with the rates being increased from Tk 30 per unit to Tk 75 per unit.

"This decision is completely illogical and would act as a major barrier to the industry's development," he said.

Regarding the SD, Rashid pointed out that the effective corporate tax rate on ceramic manufacturers reaches around 32.5 percent.

"We strongly urge the government to withdraw the proposal for imposing a 20 percent SD on the ceramic sector to ensure its sustainability and growth," he concluded.​

 

[Saif]

Energy crisis, economic slump weigh on ceramic industry

The country’s ceramic industry is facing one of its toughest periods in recent years, as rising production costs driven by persistent energy shortages and weak domestic demand take a toll on manufacturers.

www.thedailystar.net

Energy crisis, economic slump weigh on ceramic industry
Says a leader of ceramic manufacturers’ association

Irfan Uddin

The country's ceramic industry is facing one of its toughest periods in recent years, as rising production costs driven by persistent energy shortages and weak domestic demand take a toll on manufacturers.

Irfan Uddin, general secretary of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), highlighted the sector's challenges in an interview with The Daily Star.

"The economy isn't doing well, and that's no secret," Irfan said. "The ceramic sector, which depends heavily on real estate and development, is also facing serious difficulties."

He noted that as construction and development activities slow across the country, demand for materials such as ceramic tiles, sanitaryware, and tableware has dropped sharply.

"When development slows, the use of materials like ceramics falls automatically. We've seen industry-wide sales drop by nearly 25 to 30 percent," said Irfan, who is also managing director of FARR Ceramics Ltd.

Tiles, which make up about 80 percent of the market, have been hit hardest. "Because tiles have the biggest share, any downturn affects this segment first. Demand from both residential and commercial projects has fallen significantly," he added.

ENERGY CRISIS HINDERS PRODUCTION AND QUALITY

Although some earlier issues, such as the dollar shortage and import complications, have eased slightly, the ongoing energy crisis remains a major obstacle.

"The gas supply issue has not been resolved. Due to low pressure or interrupted supply, many factories are unable to run at full capacity," Irfan said. "We're currently facing around 15 percent production loss purely due to energy problems."

He explained that an inconsistent gas supply affects both quantity and quality. "Our cost of production is going up because our inputs are the same, but we're producing less. For example, where we used to make 100 pieces, we're now getting just 85 with the same labour force and overhead."

The irregular gas supply also causes firing problems in kilns, leading to lower-quality finishes. "Instead of bright white tiles, we're getting yellowish shades that can't be exported. We're forced to sell them locally at lower margins," he said.

EXPORT POTENTIAL HAMPERED

Despite domestic difficulties, demand for Bangladeshi ceramics remains strong internationally. However, manufacturers are struggling to meet it.

"Buyers are placing orders, but we can't deliver due to our production limits," Irfan said. "We usually aim for 80-85 percent export-quality production, but right now we're only reaching 55 percent."

He stressed that the drop in quality is not due to a lack of skill or workforce, but because of irregular gas supply affecting production temperatures. "We lose a lot of revenue because products that don't meet export standards have to be sold locally," he lamented.

To support the struggling industry, BCMEA has launched initiatives targeting both local and international stakeholders.

"In the last three days, over 22,000 people visited our industry exhibition," Irfan said. "We also held a special programme with all of Bangladesh's major ceramic distributors. The response has been very positive."

"These efforts aim to keep distributors and stakeholders engaged despite the downturn," he added. "Distributors are key to reaching the local market, so keeping them motivated is crucial."

FINANCIAL STRAIN AND INVESTMENT GAPS

The prolonged slowdown has put heavy financial pressure on ceramic makers. "Many companies are struggling to cover everyday costs like salaries and loan payments," Irfan said. "No one invests expecting to fail. When someone builds a factory with Tk 150 crore-Tk 200 crore, much of it comes from their own savings."

He also pointed to the lack of fresh investment. "We're not seeing new investment at the moment. Even local investors are holding back, and foreign investors are absent. Without fresh investment, economic growth will remain slow."

Irfan urged the government to ensure political and economic stability. "A functioning, elected government must take charge and steer the economy forward," he said.

He highlighted that the mid-range market, which forms the largest customer base, has been hit hardest. "The premium market is smaller, and while it's affected too, the volume loss is much larger in the middle-income bracket," he said.

As household and project budgets tighten, mid-segment consumers are delaying or reducing construction and renovation, directly impacting ceramic sales, he added.

Irfan urged the government to stabilise gas supply and provide targeted support to export-focused sectors like ceramics. "If we can stabilise gas supply and restore investor confidence, the industry can bounce back," he concluded.​