Ceramic building bricks market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Czech market for ceramic building bricks showed steady growth, reaching 167 million US dollars. This period was marked by high demand, evidenced by material shortages and delivery times of three to five months. Simultaneously, a structural shift toward brick blocks with better thermal insulation gained momentum, and the leading domestic producer HELUZ strengthened its market position. However, in 2020, the market volume contracted to 146 million US dollars, a year characterized by relative price stability and substantial producer inventories.

A sharp rebound occurred in 2021–2022, driving the market to a peak of 231 million US dollars. The surge was primarily fueled by a steep increase in natural gas prices, on which brick production is entirely dependent, alongside ongoing supply-chain disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, the military conflict in Eastern Europe exacerbated market uncertainty and further elevated energy costs, contributing to record financial results for the largest player, Wienerberger CZ. By 2023, however, the market collapsed to 140 million US dollars due to an economic downturn in the construction sector, rising mortgage rates, and diminished purchasing power.

In 2024, the decline continued at a slower pace, with the market volume settling at 133 million US dollars.

Production ceramic building bricks in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, the output of ceramic building bricks in Czechia was valued at 195.7 million US dollars, marking a 27.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 153.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports ceramic building bricks from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

Ceramic building bricks shipments from Czechia to abroad increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 272.9 thousand tonnes, representing a 17.9% year-over-year growth. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 25.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Austria, and Poland were the key partners for exports in kind, accounting for 45.7%, 31.4%, and 12.8% of exports, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 89.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Exported ceramic building bricks volumes from Czechia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports registered 30 107 thousand US dollars, showing a 27.2% advance year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 39.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, the leading destinations for exports in value terms of ceramic building bricks from Czechia were Slovakia, Austria, and Poland, which accounted for 45.6%, 31.7%, and 11.3% of exports, respectively. Collectively, they represented 88.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports ceramic building bricks to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, ceramic building bricks deliveries to Czechia increased. In 2021, imports registered 288.5 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic rise of 51.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 25.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 190.4 thousand tonnes, following the largest decline of 10.0% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany accounted for 70.3% of total imports in kind, while the remaining flows were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, cross-border shipments of ceramic building bricks to Czechia totalled 26 459 thousand US dollars, indicating an increase of 59.8% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports rose by 43.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16 557 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 14.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, Germany and Slovakia remained the key destinations for imports in value terms, jointly taking 86.9% of total flows, while other partners were much less significant individually.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021