Having got a reprieve in form of extension of anti-dumping duty on vitrified tiles from China for another five years, the industry is now seeking anti-dumping duty levy on ceramic tiles as well.

The industry had been enjoying the benefit of anti dumping duty on vitrified tiles from China and United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2002.

"There is a difference of at least 70 per cent in prices offered by Chinese ceramic tiles manufacturers and the domestic players. We have written to the government to impose an anti dumping duty on ceramic tiles, as has been the case in vitrified tiles," said Nenshi Shah, chairman and managing director of Euro Ceramics and chairman of The Indian Council of Ceramic Tiles and Sanitary Ware (ICCTAS).

As for the extension in anti dumping duty on vitrified tiles from China by the government, industry players believe the move will result in a rise in prices of vitrified tiles. "Domestic vitrified tiles manufacturers will now raise the prices by at least 10 per cent to make the most of the duty extension.

Unlike six to seven years ago, the competition from Chinese products has eased over a period of time for these players," said Rishi Kajaria, director of Kajaria Ceramics Ltd.

The total Indian ceramic industry boasts of a production base of 400 million sq mtrs per annum, of which the vitrified tiles market constitutes 100 million sq mtrs. Overall, the industry generates a revenue of Rs 8,000 crore in ceramic tiles with vitrified tiles forming 20 per cent of it.

Major player in the Industry are, H.& R.Johnsons, Kajaria, Somani, Asian, Euro, Orient , Murudeshwar and Bell Ceramics.