Trade, Exports and the Global Market
Written by Rachel Timmins, Ceramics UK, Policy Manager
Why the UK matters
If there was a map of the world showing where UK ceramics can be found, from underground to outer space, then the view of our place in an international setting would be off the scale.
We think of our nation’s best-known exports, including luxury cars, and our world-famous fashions, but the power of UK ceramics on the global stage is something we should be proud of too.
The UK ceramics sector is a world-leader in the production of both traditional and advanced ceramic materials, supporting industries ranging from aerospace, defence, construction, clean energy, electronics and giftware
That means in public and private spaces, it’s possible to find UK ceramic goods across the world.
From tableware, sinks and sanitaryware in kitchens and bathrooms, tiles on walls and floors and roofs, bricks used to build the house, to treasured giftware and artworks on display in homes and commercial environments, it’s possible that almost every room of a property could have some element of our industry present.
And advanced and technical ceramics are a showcase of Britain’s innovation and ingenuity in industrial and technological environments, supporting refractories, defence capabilities, powering laptops and smart phones, and even playing a part in space travel.
That’s some presence, and something for us as a nation to be proud of. Critically, Government needs to recognise the value of ceramics too.
Economy
The scope, scale and skill of the UK ceramics sector sees it contribute more than £2 billion directly to the national economy annually and directly employ approximately 20,000 people.
It also supports tens of thousands of jobs in other sectors too.
Our members have more than 150 operating sites across the UK and the sector is already an essential part of Britain’s industrial future.
Significantly, the sector also creates £650 million in exports. As an industry, we are very good at selling our products around the world.
From the time of Josiah Wedgwood centuries ago, right through to today, we remain a global success story.
The British factor
‘Buy British’ is a message we understand on home ground, as a means to support the economy, protect jobs and maintain an industry we can be proud of.
In turn, the prestige of Buying British is something that is recognised across the world.
Our ceramics are loved by international buyers, who still specifically seek out UK-made pottery and industrial ceramics over cheaper options.
They trust the process, and the prestige our nation’s ceramics offer. The Made In Britian label is a global guarantee of quality that competitors cannot match.
Ceramics are one of the UK’s greatest economic assets. But they must be protected.
Future Hurdles
Ours is a unique, successful and significant sector overall. And while any journey around the world is likely to put you in contact with our products, the direction of travel for trade, exports and in the global market is far from clear for our industry.
Multiple headwinds impact on the sector.
Of particular concern is the trade deficit. Our standard of quality must be defended. Currently the UK faces a trade deficit that exceeds more than £1billion more imports than exports.
Our industry has trade defence measures to try and protect some sectors because we are not on a level playing field with some other countries who are able to dump their goods in the UK, threatening our industry.
We aren't just advocating for trade; we are advocating for integrity.
As the UK navigates new global frontiers, we must protect our commitment to ethical labour, reducing emissions and superior craftsmanship.
We face a trade challenge.
Our value must not be undercut by "dumped" goods or compromised human rights.
The Government has been signing trade deals, many of them we believe need to be reconsidered.
This includes a deal with India. We have raised significant concerns about the very high number of ceramics imports from the country (currently the top importer by weight) and the terrible conditions faced by many workers in the brick factories there, most of whom are tied by a form of modern slavery called bonded labour.
We need to collectively tackle these headwinds and face up to the future. That means Government working with us to shape a trading environment that enables us to be competitive in global markets.
Our message is straightforward: Government must work with industry, not against it. We need the right policy framework to continue the next chapter in our success story.
Don’t penalise manufacturers that play a vital role in the UK economy. Support them. Engage with them. Help keep production onshore.
We need to keep the wheels of international trade turning, the impacts of cheap imports challenged - and the UK’s world-leading position in ceramics in pole position for the future.
The world knows British ceramics are the gold standard. It’s time our trade policies reflected that reality.