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Ceramic industry faces tough challenge: Association
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Trade Minister Airlangga Hartarto (center) visits a booth at the Keramika exhibition at the Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta on Thursday. (JP/dpk)
T
he Indonesian Ceramic Industry Association (Asaki) has said the industry would face tough challenges this year because of decreasing demand in both the domestic and international markets and the significant increase in volume of imported products.
Asaki chairperson Elisa Sinaga said in Jakarta on Thursday that imported ceramic products from China continued to increase each year.
“Last year, imports from China increased by 17 percent. There is an indication that imports will increase again this year,” Elisa said during the opening of the seventh annual Keramika exhibition at the Jakarta Convention Center.
He called on the government to provide protection for local ceramic manufacturers from the storm of imported products, particularly from China.
In response, Industry Minister Airlangga Hartanto said ceramic companies should not rely on government protection from imported products, but create more attractive products.
“The ceramic industry should look to introduce new innovative designs to compete, instead of relying on lower prices,” Airlangga told reporters during the event.
Organized by Asaki and Reed Panorama Exhibitions, the ceramic exhibition is being used as a showcase by ceramic manufacturers to display their products.
Reed Panorama also collaborated with the Indonesian Builders Association (GAPENSI) and the Indonesian Security System Industry Association (AISKINDO) to organize exhibitions of other products.
The exhibition is being held for four days starting from Thursday. (dpk/bbn)
