Morbi tiles are sold in most regions of the world, with the Gulf, Africa, Europe, the Americas and South and South-East Asia as the broad markets. Government coverage in January 2026 named the US, France, Germany, Oman and Sri Lanka among the destinations.
Morbi is the centre of India's tile exports. A Gujarat government release in January 2026 said the district accounts for roughly 80 to 90% of India's ceramic exports, worth about ₹15,000 crore in FY2024-25. The reasons the cluster grew so large are covered in why Morbi is a world tile hub.
What each market tends to buy
Each region buys a different mix, and factories often specialise. Knowing which markets a factory already serves tells you a lot about whether it can meet your standard.
- Gulf buyers often order glazed vitrified floor tiles, large slabs and wall tiles for housing and commercial projects. It is close by sea to the ports of Mundra and Deendayal (Kandla).
- African buyers order a wide range, from economy wall and floor tiles to polished vitrified, and many markets there compete hard on price.
- Europe buys porcelain and large formats, and expects CE marking, a Declaration of Performance and consistent technical test results.
- The Americas buy porcelain floor and wall tiles, with the US as a significant market. A 2025 report put the US at about 8 to 9% of Morbi's ceramic exports.
- South and South-East Asia buy across the range, with Sri Lanka named in government coverage as a regular destination.
Why your market changes the order
The destination decides which documents and tests you need. A factory that ships mostly to Africa may never have issued a Declaration of Performance. A factory that ships to Saudi Arabia should already know the SASO and SABER conformity process. The list for each market is in what certifications a tile factory should have.
The destination also decides the duties you pay. As of October 2026, the EU applies anti-dumping duty on Indian ceramic tiles, the six GCC states apply anti-dumping duty on Indian ceramic and porcelain tiles, and the US applies countervailing (anti-subsidy) duty. These sit on top of normal customs duty. Rates differ by exporter, so the factory you choose affects your landed cost. The details, with dates, are in which countries have anti-dumping duties on Indian tiles. Always confirm the current position with your customs broker before you commit.
Packaging and labelling vary too. Some markets want box markings in a local language, country-of-origin marks in a set format, or pallet sizes that suit local warehouses. Agree these in writing before production starts.
What to ask a factory about its markets
- Ask which countries the factory shipped to in the last year, and ask to see redacted bills of lading or shipping bills as proof.
- Ask whether it has shipped to your country before, and which certificates and test reports it supplied for those orders.
- Ask which anti-dumping or countervailing rate applies to it in your market, and get the answer in writing.
- Ask whether its sizes, finishes and box labels already suit your market, or whether they would be a new set-up.
Choosing a factory that fits your market
A factory with a record in your market is not automatically the right one, but it lowers risk. It knows the paperwork, the inspection habits of your customs and what your customers will reject. A factory new to your market can still be a good choice if its quality is right, as long as you check the documents yourself and allow time for the first order.
We work for you, not the factory. We shortlist manufacturers that already ship to markets like yours, check their export record and documents, and confirm which duty rate applies before you pay a deposit. If you want a shortlist matched to your country, book a free sourcing review.