Valencian Government Calls for Increased National Support to Sustain Spain’s Ceramic Industry

The Valencian government urges increased Spanish government support to maintain competitiveness and sustainability in the country’s leading ceramic industry amid evolving EU environmental regulations.

    Key details

  • • José Antonio Rovira met with ASCER to discuss increased national support for the ceramic sector in Comunitat Valenciana.
  • • The ceramic sector in Castellón leads Spain in innovation, design, and production, accounting for 97% of national output.
  • • Spain is the largest ceramic producer in Europe and the third-largest exporter globally.
  • • Rovira emphasized the need for flexibility in EU environmental regulations to preserve the industry’s competitiveness.

José Antonio Rovira, Conseller of Economy, Finance and Public Administration of the Generalitat Valenciana, has emphasized the urgent need for stronger support from the Spanish government to sustain the ceramic sector in the Comunitat Valenciana. During a meeting with ASCER, the Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Tiles and Ceramic Pavements, Rovira highlighted the sector's significance as a leading force in innovation, design, and technology within Spain, particularly centered in Castellón, which produces 97% of the country’s ceramic output and 40% of Europe’s.

Rovira stressed the necessity of government aid to help the industry navigate challenges posed by increasing European Union environmental regulations and the transition to Industry 4.0 standards. Spain remains Europe’s largest ceramic producer and the world’s third-largest exporter, with 73% of the sector’s sales directed internationally.

The Conseller also advocated for greater flexibility in the implementation of sustainable objectives imposed by Brussels to ensure the industry's continued competitiveness and quality.

This call for enhanced backing comes amid broader national challenges in environmental policy and economic sustainability. While Spain grapples with rising greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the energy and transportation sectors, the ceramic industry seeks to maintain its global standing through innovation and government-supported adaptation measures.

Rovira assured ASCER of the Generalitat’s commitment to push for strategic development actions to uphold the ceramic industry’s vital role in Spain’s economy.

This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.