A research result released by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation recently shows that due to the surge in exports, disorderly competition among enterprises, lack of irreplaceable products, and the rise of international trade protectionism, the export of building ceramics still faces the risk of increasing trade friction.

According to customs statistics, in 2007, China's export volume and value of building ceramics maintained a growth rate of over 20%, and the export trend was good. But a good export situation cannot avoid the threat of trade friction. The Guangdong Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation pointed out that as the largest production and export base of ceramic products in China, Guangdong has encountered a total of 5 trade frictions targeting ceramic tile products since 2001. Ceramic tiles have become the single product that has suffered the most trade frictions since China joined the WT0.

In April 2007, the Indian Ministry of Trade and Industry initiated a "sunset review" investigation against multiple Chinese ceramic enterprises in response to a collective application submitted by some domestic ceramic tile manufacturers. If it is determined that Chinese ceramic enterprises have constituted dumping against India, India's current anti-dumping measures against Chinese ceramic enterprises will continue until 203

The Guangdong Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation believes that there are three reasons why the export of architectural ceramics frequently encounters trade frictions. Firstly, since 2000, domestic market competition has become increasingly fierce, and a large number of ceramic enterprises have turned to the international market. The second is the competitive advantage of China's ceramic tile products in the international market, which also has a significant impact on the domestic industry caused by friction. Thirdly, currently, ceramic enterprises in Guangdong still widely use a single pricing strategy to compete for customers in international marketing, which has become a direct cause of international trade friction.

In addition, China's ceramic export products have low irreplaceability, mainly consisting of mid to low-end products, which are prone to direct competition with products from other developing countries. In recent years, international trade protectionism has risen, and many developing countries have also vigorously developed labor-intensive industries, causing the export of Chinese ceramic products to face an international environment of "catching up".

The Guangdong Provincial Department of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation pointed out that the main factors causing frequent trade frictions in China's export of building ceramic products have not been eliminated, and due to the continuous growth of exports to developed ceramic regions such as the European Union, the risk of trade frictions in developed country markets for building ceramic products has also increased. Relevant industry associations and enterprises should take precautions in advance and actively respond.