Why should you source ceramic products from the Philippines?
When it comes to ceramic products, there are different countries that dominate global exports. China leads the world in terms of how much goods it sells to other countries, to the tune of $25 billion in 2021. Italy and Spain follow, with exports totaling $6.2 billion and $4.91 billion, respectively.
However, in the case of China and Italy, their share in the export of ceramic products has fallen slightly from 2020, by 0.75% and 0.83%, correspondingly. This shows that other businesses are looking for new sources from other countries. Some choose to buy from a ceramic product exporter in the Philippines.
Although the island nation has a limited presence in the global market, its mark is growing. Philippine-based businesses exported $79.4 million of ceramic products in 2021. This represents a 29.4% increase compared to 2020.
That figure belies the growth that actually took place. Exports from the Philippines to the United States and Switzerland grew by over 100%. Meanwhile, the volume sent by Philippine-based businesses to EU countries like Germany and Ireland soared by more than 280% and 40%, respectively.
All these numbers point to the fact that a growing number of businesses trust Philippine-made products. And there are many reasons why.
Because of the craftsmanship
People have been asking the question, “Are ceramics from the Philippines good?” for quite some time now. The answer to that is yes.
The history of Philippine ceramics dates back thousands of years. One of the initial examples of pottery is a 3,500-year-old burial jar. This object was found in the Tabon Caves in Palawan. Through hematite — an iron oxide stone — potters etched curvilinear scroll designs.
Besides jars, the ancient peoples in the Philippines created other objects, like vases and globular bottles, for different household needs.
At one point, the quality of these ceramic goods became highly valued by traders in countries, most notably Japan. One account, by the Jesuit missionary Ludwig Froez, explains in 1595 that jars made in the Philippines were considered “gems” by Japanese society on account of these helping preserve tea.
This view is echoed by Antonio de Morga, who served as a high-ranking Spanish colonial official in the Philippines. He writes that the Japanese prize Philippine-made ceramic goods highly, to the point where these products form expensive parts of their cabinets and showrooms.
Incidentally, Japanese companies remain the biggest source of demand for ceramic products. These businesses imported objects like vases; Philippines supplied over $55 million worth of such items in 2021.
The ceramics industry in the country is also brought to light by artisans, whose works have appeared in international scenes such as New York’s New Museum of Contemporary Art and Frankfurt’s Ambiente. Markenjes itself will present its vision of handcrafted products that elevate any space at the upcoming Interior & Design Manila in March 2024.
Because of the cost-effectiveness
It might seem that importing products made in the Philippines is expensive. After all, other countries may be closer to the importer. However, different factors come into play that bring down the cost of doing business with a Philippines-based manufacturer.
For example, businesses like Markenjes use air drying as part of the process of creating ceramic products.
This means that the costs related to operating a kiln do not exist. Some of these expenses are associated with factors such as unit maintenance, which runs anywhere from $100 to $200 annually.
Others are related to setting up the kiln. These include installing special wall outlets, which range from $250 to $800, and setting up ventilation systems, which can set one back up to $800.
There’s also the firing. In the US, this cost varies between $0.27 and $4.26 per firing program.
The costs related to operating kilns have been going up, according to ceramics makers from other countries. In the UK, one potter in Much Wenlock mentioned that the operating costs of his large kiln grew to the point where it is now unsustainable to use, from £700 to £1,600 monthly.
Meanwhile, in Italy, one Cerbara-based manufacturer saw their energy bill jump by 1,000% in 2022 compared to that in 2021.
Another factor that importers find important is the exchange rate. Importers have an advantage if their currency is stronger than the Philippine peso. This allows businesses in EU countries and the US to purchase Philippine-made products at a lower price.
Current trends show that the Philippine peso looks to weaken slightly against other currencies. For instance, the euro is expected to strengthen against the peso by 2.21% at the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the peso is seen to fall by ₱57 or ₱58 against the US dollar.
Because of the environmental sustainability
In one study by a UK-based PR firm, B2B buyers consider ESG — environmental, social, and governance; essentially a set of criteria to determine a firm’s impact on the planet — as the top reason why they’re looking for new suppliers.
Philippine companies like Markenjes certainly consider the environmental impact of their operations. Given that the ceramic industry uses at least 35 million tons of standard coal annually, processes such as air drying help product manufacturers avoid the release of pollutants into the environment.
In fact, not using kilns also means that those who manufacture ceramic planters, vases, and tables do not have to worry about a range of toxic waste, from carbon monoxide to hydrogen fluoride.
Another one of these pollutants is lead. This element is often used to glaze ceramic products. However, if lead leaches, children exposed to it may sustain damage to their nervous system. This leads to speech, learning, and hearing problems.
As such, the Philippine government ordered the removal of lead in decorative, household, and architectural paints in 2017. This command led to multiple companies reformulating entire product lines to eliminate lead inputs. Some even obtained the Lead Safe Paint certification.
Ceramic products from the Philippines do not just contain zero environmental pollutants. These items are also 100% recyclable and reusable. This allows consumers to lengthen the lifespan of their products.
Find a ceramics supplier in Markenjes
When it comes to looking for a Philippines furniture manufacturer as well as a maker of planters and vases, one brand goes the extra mile to ensure its products are handcrafted, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
Markenjes Marketing Co. produces lightweight but durable and fiber cement-based planters; Philippines is a growing part of the international ceramics market because of the company. It also creates vases. Other products include tables and chairs, export-quality for those that import furniture.
Discover handcrafted objects that elevate any space. Email info@markenjesmarketing.com
or call Kris at +63-960-688-6846.