Vietnam is not only a country with a long-standing ceramic and tile-making tradition, but today it has also become a global manufacturing powerhouse in the tile industry. The sector has evolved from traditional handmade brick kilns into a modern industrial ecosystem with massive production capacity.

Below are the key strengths and development highlights of Vietnam’s ceramic and tile industry:

1. Vietnam’s Position On The Global Map

Top Global Producer

Vietnam is currently ranked among the Top 5 largest ceramic and tile manufacturing countries in the world, alongside China, India, Italy, and Spain.

Massive Production Capacity

The total designed production capacity of Vietnamese factories exceeds 800 million square meters per year, fully meeting domestic demand while exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide.

2. Strong Natural Resource Advantages

Vietnam possesses exceptional geological advantages that support the long-term growth of the tile industry.

Clay & Kaolin Resources

Large reserves of clay and kaolin are distributed across the country — from Quang Ninh and Phu Tho in the North to Binh Duong in the South — providing abundant, high-quality local raw materials at competitive costs.

Access To Natural Gas

Industrial zones in Southern Vietnam, particularly in Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Dong Nai, benefit from direct access to natural gas infrastructure, helping manufacturers optimize energy costs for large-scale kiln operations.

3. From Traditional Ceramics To High-Tech Manufacturing

Vietnam’s ceramic and tile industry has gone through a clear transformation over the decades.

Traditional Craftsmanship Era

Vietnam was historically known for handcrafted products such as clay bricks, Bat Trang ceramics, and encaustic cement tiles (“gạch bông”) during the French colonial period. Today, Vietnamese encaustic tiles are once again gaining popularity as premium artisan exports to Europe and the United States.

Modern Industrial Era

Since the 1990s, Vietnamese manufacturers have invested heavily in advanced production lines imported from Italy and Spain, including technologies from Sacmi and System. Modern factories are now capable of producing porcelain tiles, large-format granite slabs, and high-definition 3D digital printed tiles that compete directly with imported European products.

4. Key Industry Leaders

Several major companies continue to shape and lead Vietnam’s ceramic and tile industry:

Viglacera

Considered one of the pioneers of the industry, Viglacera is recognized for its long history and advanced technologies, particularly in autoclaved aerated concrete and antibacterial tile products.

Prime Group

One of the largest tile manufacturers in Vietnam by production volume. Since becoming part of Thailand’s SCG Group, Prime has significantly expanded its export network and international presence.

Dong Tam Group

A well-established brand associated with Vietnam’s historic encaustic tile tradition and premium granite tile collections with strong artistic identity.

CMC, Vitto & Tasa

Dynamic manufacturers operating large-scale factories in Northern Vietnam, focusing on mid-range and mass-market ceramic tile segments.

5. Sustainability Challenges & Green Transformation

Similar to industries such as aluminum and electrical cables, Vietnam’s ceramic and tile sector is also facing increasing sustainability pressures.

Non-Fired & Eco-Friendly Materials

The Vietnamese government is encouraging the adoption of non-fired building materials to protect agricultural land and reduce carbon emissions.

Green Export Standards

To access demanding markets such as the U.S. and the EU, manufacturers are increasingly transitioning toward renewable energy systems and waste heat recovery technologies in kiln operations to achieve international green certifications.

Conclusion

Although Vietnam’s tile industry is rooted in a long-standing traditional craft culture, its greatest strength today lies in its adaptability and industrial transformation.

From traditional red clay bricks, Vietnam has advanced toward producing large-format slabs and high-performance surface materials capable of replacing natural stone, reinforcing the country’s position within the global building materials supply chain.