Porcelain market analysis in Poland
Porcelain is a staple on tables around the world. Known for its durability, versatility and elegance, "white gold" has gained considerably in importance in recent years. Its eco-friendliness and aesthetics match current customer tastes in tableware. Our porcelain market analysis showed that the European and Polish markets can benefit significantly from recent shifts in consumer trends.
Need ready-made market data? See the reports in Market Scan.
See the scan catalogue01
How big is the global porcelain market?
In 2024, estimates of the value of the global porcelain and ceramic tableware market ranged from USD 10.32 bn to USD 24.8 bn, depending on the source, while the value of international trade reached around USD 5.6 bn. According to World Integrated Trade Solutions, the largest importers of porcelain kitchenware and tableware in 2024 were, in order: the European Union (USD 627.7 m), the United States (USD 355.7 m), Germany (USD 253.6 m), France (USD 183.5 m) and Italy (USD 174.8 m). China was by far the largest exporter, selling 2.184 million tonnes of porcelain dinnerware and kitchenware worth USD 6.43 bn. Far behind China came the European Union (USD 465.8 m) and three of its member states: Germany (USD 404.5 m), France (USD 184.8 m) and Italy (USD 158.4 m).
| Country / region | Role | Value |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | importer | USD 627.7 m |
| United States | importer | USD 355.7 m |
| Germany | importer | USD 253.6 m |
| France | importer | USD 183.5 m |
| Italy | importer | USD 174.8 m |
| China | exporter | USD 6.43 bn |
| European Union | exporter | USD 465.8 m |
| Germany | exporter | USD 404.5 m |
| France | exporter | USD 184.8 m |
| Italy | exporter | USD 158.4 m |
02
What characterises the porcelain market in Europe?
The European porcelain market stands out for strict regulation and the major role of SMEs making high-quality products, while China remains the largest exporter of ceramic tableware to Europe, with a 40% share of imports.
The European market, a dominant importer but also a major player in global exports, stands out for its much stricter regulation and the significant role of small and medium-sized enterprises making high-quality products. Porcelain tableware production in the European Union is extensively regulated. As a result, manufacturers must adapt their production processes to requirements concerning energy efficiency, emissions generated during production, the content of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, waste management and testing methods for ceramic products intended for contact with food. However, in mass production they lose out to exporters such as China. For this reason, the European Commission introduced anti-dumping duties on imports of porcelain tableware and ceramic kitchenware from China, while exempting selected items used in the manufacture of kitchen appliances, such as coffee grinder components. Even so, China is still the largest exporter of ceramic tableware to Europe, with a 40% share of total imports, ahead of Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands and Poland.
03
How big is the porcelain market in Poland?
In 2024, production of porcelain tableware and kitchenware in Poland reached 18,273 tonnes, and Poland was the sixth-largest European importer of ceramic and glass tableware and kitchenware.
Growing imports have made Poland the sixth-largest European importer of ceramic and glass tableware and kitchenware, with imports worth USD 93,932 thousand (22,000 tonnes) in 2024. The Polish glass and ceramics industry has considerable growth potential thanks to its competitiveness, access to good-quality raw materials and low labour costs. In 2024, production of porcelain tableware and kitchenware reached 18,273 tonnes, an increase of 35.8 pp on the previous year.
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Value of the global porcelain and ceramic tableware market (estimates) | USD 10.32 bn to USD 24.8 bn |
| Value of international trade | around USD 5.6 bn |
| Chinese exports of porcelain dinnerware and kitchenware | 2.184 million tonnes |
| China's share of ceramic tableware imports to Europe | 40% |
| Polish imports of ceramic and glass tableware | USD 93,932 thousand |
| Polish imports of tableware (volume) | 22,000 tonnes |
| Production of porcelain tableware and kitchenware in Poland | 18,273 tonnes |
| Year-on-year change in Polish production | +35.8 pp |
04
How is the porcelain market segmented?
The porcelain market is segmented by product type, with white porcelain, bone china and stoneware the most popular, and by end use into household products and goods for the HoReCa sector.
The ceramics market is segmented both by type of product and by end use. The most popular products include white porcelain, bone china and stoneware. Porcelain is a type of high-quality ceramic that manufacturers make from a mixture of mineral raw materials, primarily kaolin, feldspar and quartz. Thanks to its durability and resistance to staining, it is highly valued both at formal occasions and in everyday use. Depending on the production technology, the raw material mix may also include fireclays, limestone and, in the case of bone china, bone ash. Bone china is a luxury product, famous for its exceptional lightness and translucency, while remaining strong. Stoneware is heavier than porcelain and has a less smooth finish. As a result, it looks more natural, which is helping its popularity grow among consumers interested in ecological trends and a style described as eco-friendly.
Segmentation by end use
By end use, the market covers products for households as well as goods intended for food service and the HoReCa sector. Hotels, restaurants and cafés look above all for tableware that is durable, resistant to heavy use and of a high aesthetic standard, because the quality of tableware affects the customer experience and brand perception. Households are more often guided by visual qualities such as creative design and bold colours, reflecting the decorative importance of porcelain in the home.
Ready-made market reports in PDF
Market Scan by MarketHub has ready-made PDF reports on selected markets: market size, key players, trends and data sources. If your market is not covered, we will prepare an in-depth market analysis.
Want to use this brief?
You can quote the data if you name the source and, where possible, link to our website. Use this credit line:
Source: MarketHub, "Porcelain market analysis in Poland", markethub.pl, 08.2022