Morocco Launches Anti-Dumping Probe Against Indian Tiles: What It Means for European Producers
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Morocco's Ministry of Industry has opened a formal investigation into alleged dumping of Indian ceramic tiles. A move that could reshape Mediterranean trade flows and ease pressure on European manufacturers.
Morocco is joining the growing list of countries raising barriers against the surge of Indian ceramic tiles. The Kingdom's Ministry of Industry and Trade has formally opened a preventive investigation into imports of ceramic tiles from India, after detecting dumping margins well above the 2% legal threshold.
The complaint was filed by the Moroccan Professional Association of Ceramic Industries (APIC), which represents manufacturers such as Super Cerame, Multicerame and Ghorghiz Cerame — together accounting for 72% of national production. According to preliminary data, Indian exporters are selling in Morocco at prices significantly lower than those applied in their domestic market, distorting competition and eroding local producers' margins.
The case covers the period 2021 to mid-2025, years in which Indian ceramic imports into Morocco have surged both in volume and market share. The probe will cover floor, wall and outdoor tiles, and will involve Indian exporters, Moroccan importers and domestic manufacturers, who have until May 30 to file submissions.
A signal the Castellón cluster is watching closely. Morocco's move confirms a global trend: India — now the world's second-largest ceramic producer thanks to the Morbi hub — is being challenged in key markets over its aggressive pricing strategy. The European Union already imposed anti-dumping duties on Indian tiles in 2023, and now Morocco — a natural gateway to North Africa and a top trading partner for Castellón — could follow suit.
For Spanish tile makers, the news cuts both ways. On one hand, Moroccan restrictions could redirect Indian volumes toward other Mediterranean markets, intensifying competitive pressure. On the other, they reinforce the narrative that ASCER and European producers have championed for years: Indian ceramics are not competing on a level playing field, and governments are starting to act.
If Rabat confirms dumping, provisional measures could be applied in the short term, followed by definitive anti-dumping duties. A decision that would reshape the ceramic export map across the Mediterranean — and one the Castellón industry will be watching closely in the months ahead.
Source: Morocco World News