Weak demand, excess supply get tile makers walking on eggshells

Although lower gas prices could offer some relief on margins

Listed ceramic tile makers posted a low-key performance in the October-December quarter (third quarter, or Q3) of 2022-23 (FY23) caused by weak demand, excess supply, and cost pressures. Although some pressures are expected to linger in the near term, the Street is divided on the outlook.

While some brokerages accept as true that the demand situation has deteriorated, others hint at a modest improvement over the past three months and relief on account of lower gas prices.

The flint that will produce the spark will be the demand trajectory for the sector, given the sluggish sales trends. While volumes of