Market evolution: Ceramic ornamental articles (CN 6913) — 2015–2025
Introduction
This report analyzes the trade dynamics of EU extra-EU trade in ceramic statuettes and other ornamental articles (CN 6913) over the period 2015-2025. The category encompasses both porcelain/china articles and other ceramic types. The EU market for these goods is characterized by a persistent and growing trade deficit, driven primarily by strong import growth, particularly from China. While EU exports also expanded, they did so at a slower rate, leading to increased import reliance. This analysis examines the main trends in trade value, geographic shifts, and market volatility.
An Expanding Market with a Widening Deficit
The period under review saw the EU trade in CN 6913 grow in both value and volume for imports and exports. However, import growth outpaced export growth, leading to a significant expansion of the EU's trade deficit in this product category.
Import Growth Outpaced Export Growth
EU imports of ornamental ceramic articles grew by 39.3% in value (from €303m to €422m) and 16.6% in volume between the first and last periods. Exports also increased, rising by 31.7% in value (from €161m to €211m) and 40.1% in volume (Overview). The stronger value growth of imports, despite lower volume growth, points to rising import prices.
A Widening Trade Deficit
Consequently, the EU's trade deficit in this sector widened substantially. It grew from -€142.5m in 2015 to -€210.7m in 2025, a 47.9% increase in the gap (Overview). The deficit was most pronounced in 2022, reaching -€332m, largely due to a surge in import values.
Rising Unit Values Suggest Product Mix Shifts
Unit values (price per tonne) tell a nuanced story. Import prices rose by 19.5%, while export prices fell by 6.0% (Overview). This indicates that the EU may be importing higher-value goods while exporting more competitively priced articles.
| Metric | First Period (2015) | Last Period (2025) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import Value (€) | 303,042,784 | 422,151,876 | +39.3% |
| Export Value (€) | 160,510,087 | 211,415,078 | +31.7% |
| Trade Balance (€) | -142,532,697 | -210,736,798 | -47.9% |
| Import Price (€/t) | 2,449 | 2,927 | +19.5% |
| Export Price (€/t) | 6,338 | 5,959 | -6.0% |
Source: General Overview
Shifting Geographic Patterns in Trade
The geographic landscape of EU trade in CN 6913 evolved, with increased concentration on the import side and diversification among top export destinations.
China's Dominance in Imports Strengthened
China solidified its position as the EU's primary source, with imports growing by 54.6% in value to €350m, accounting for the vast majority of the top seven import partners' value. Other major suppliers like Vietnam and Thailand saw more modest or negative growth (Partners).
EU Export Markets Showed Mixed Performance
The UK and USA remained the top two destinations for EU exports, with strong growth of 85.3% and 62.7%, respectively. Notably, exports to Canada surged by 157.9%. In contrast, exports to Norway and the Russian Federation declined significantly, the latter falling by 78.7% (Partners).
Internal EU Production Specialization
Within the EU, Portugal and Denmark showed a strong comparative advantage (high RCA) in producing ornamental ceramics in 2025. Conversely, large economies like France and the Netherlands were among the least specialized, indicating their roles were more focused on trade and consumption rather than production for export (Specialisation).
Price Volatility and Supply Chain Pressures
The market experienced periods of volatility, with a significant price shock detected in 2022, highlighting supply chain vulnerabilities.
Increased Import Concentration Heightens Vulnerability
The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for imports by value increased by 21.3% over the period, indicating growing market concentration and potential supply chain vulnerability. The EU's net import reliance also surged from 19.8% to 37.7%.
The 2022 Price Shock
A major price shock event was detected in 2022. Import prices from China spiked by 36.6% (abnormality score: 3.1), coinciding with global supply chain disruptions and logistics cost increases. Simultaneously, export prices to Switzerland surged by 40.9% (Supply Shocks). This period saw the peak in both import values and the trade deficit.
Product Segment Dynamics
The import price spike in 2022 was more pronounced for porcelain/china articles (subheading 691310) than for other ceramics (691390). Export prices for porcelain articles also peaked dramatically in 2022-2023 before receding, suggesting volatility in this premium segment (Product Segments).
Conclusion
Between 2015 and 2025, the EU market for ceramic ornamental articles expanded but became more reliant on imports, leading to a larger trade deficit. China's dominance as a supplier increased, while the EU's export base showed resilience in key markets like the USA and UK but faced declines elsewhere. The period was punctuated by significant price volatility, especially the supply-shock year of 2022, which tested the market's stability and underscored the concentration risk in the import supply chain. The EU's role as a net importer of these goods intensified, despite maintaining some specialized production within its borders.