Cuenca tile industry complains about cheap imports

Cuenca tile manufacturers are complaining about the quality of imported floor and decorative tile as well as what they consider unfair competition from foreign manufacturers. According to Gustavo Palacios, vice president of the Ceramic Center, national tile imports have increased 210% in the past two years, putting a strain on the local industry.

Palacios  said that imported tile from China, Colombia and Peru is of inferior quality and is taking a 40% national market share. “We are hearing many complaints about this tile and there is concern that the Chinese tile contains dangerous ingredients.” He added: “We have no problem with the European tile. Its quality is good and it is priced fairly.”

Palacios says he is in discussions with national authorities to enforce quality standards on imported tile.

Cuenca is Ecuador’s top producer of tile.