while the industry ceramic still waiting for the details of the aid to be clarified Announced by the Government in December for gas-intensive sectors, production is experiencing a new decline. And they go 11 months in a row. Industrial production index data released yesterday by the Institut Valencià d’Estadística once again make it clear that Castellón’s economic lung needs oxygen. February results show: decreased by 30.8% compared to the same period of the previous year.
The sum of the first two months of 2023 The 28.5% decrease is almost double the 15% experienced in the whole of 2023. Ascer, an employers association that brings ceramic manufacturers togetherstate that these figures “confirm that production continues to be affected” Even so, bad data may indicate activity bottoming out in hopes that the bleeding will start to stop in the coming months. They point out from Ascer: “although production levels continue to be below normal in the industry” If the index is analyzed in absolute value in February, there is some recovery,” he said.
This absolute index reached 150 levels in September 2021, just before the onset of the energy crisis. It was in the middle of January with 76.2. On the other hand, February is already experiencing a rebound of 91.2.
The next few months will determine whether a more positive dynamic will begin. refuses. of course, with uncertainty costs energetic and the impact of inflation in Spain and the countries they export to on the purchasing power of consumers and companies.
Fairs
Another factor that can be an incentive for tile production is the balance of the promotional activities held in the last weeks. Cevisama fair closed with good impressions from the participants as well as the other events organized by the sector companies on these dates. Some predictions still waiting to be reflected. In addition, in a few days, the Coverings fair with the participation of more than 70 companies will be held in the United States, the main buyer of Spanish ceramics.
Labor division is added to this situation. Unemployment figures in the sector continue to increase in March, but the number of active ERTE drops by 22%.
Ascer reiterates its support for the work of the port of Valencia
These days, not only has Rafa Simó been replaced by Enrique Vidal at the Port Authority of Castellón. also happened Changes in the presidency of the port of Valencia. An indispensable infrastructure for the ceramic industry. From Ascer, “75% of total exports depart by sea, this port gathers most of the traffic, 85.7% of those leaving by ship.” Employers state that this port is not only important for ceramics, but also necessary for Valencia’s port activities: “It represents 32.1% of the weight of the transported cargo”, recalls from the establishment.
Given that Joan Calabuig has replaced Aurelio Martínez as the head of this port authority, Ascer reiterates his views. Advocating all these actions aimed at improving infrastructures that facilitate and contribute to the competitiveness of the Spanish ceramic tile manufacturing industry, These include expansion and northern access to the port of Valencia, a project with strong defense by Aurelio Martínez ». For the ceramics industry, he adds, “it is essential to undertake pending investments, some of which are currently uncertain due to vicious discussions, and which will allow not only the ceramic industry but also the Community economy as a whole.” . Valenciana will be more competitive, more sustainable and create more jobs”.
In addition, Vicente Nomdedeu, president of Ascer, underlines the “excellent management of the current president of Valenciaport to increase the competitiveness of our industry in foreign markets” and “shows a full aptitude for cooperation with future president Joan Calabuig”, which we recently wrote to her for”.
Businessmen and Puig demand appointment from new minister
The large number of open fronts in the sector prevents the 100-day deadline, and it is desirable to hold talks with the new Minister of Industry, Héctor Gómez, in order to explain the situation of the companies and speed up the measures to be taken. It can benefit your walking.
From Ascer stated that they had already sent a letter. I’m waiting for a reply from the new head of the ministry. At the same time, head generalitat, Ximo Puigalso conveyed his intention to hold a meeting to the Gómez department.
The most urgent issue is the resolution of the allegations made against him. 450 million direct aid mechanism euro Government’s inconvenience due to obstacles identified in receiving the economic injection.