Freight Drops, Demand Heats Up—Autumn Tile Export Enters “Golden Window”

September has brought a perfect storm of factors for tile exporters: global renovation season meets restocking needs, while ocean freight from China to the Mediterranean and South America has fallen nearly 20 % from this year’s peak. A 20-foot container now costs less than USD 5,000, prompting overseas wholesalers to ramp up orders. As a result, inquiries for 600×1200 mm and 750×1500 mm slabs have risen 30 % month-on-month, and neutral tones like warm grey and cream white remain top picks.

What’s new is the surge in mixed small-batch and customized-pattern requests. Some buyers in the Middle East and Australia are packing up to eight SKUs into a single container for the first time, aiming to refresh store displays faster. To keep pace, several plants have upgraded digital ink-jet lines, offering new pattern samples within 72 hours and shipping via weekly express services in 12–15 days.

Cross-border payment platforms have also rolled out “locked FX + open account” packages to ease cash-flow pressure on smaller buyers. Industry watchers expect October export prices to remain stable, while personalized, rapid-delivery orders could account for more than 40 % of shipments, driving growth through the rest of the year.