GLASS AND GLASS WARE - BUSINESS IN WEST AND NORTH AFRICA

Glass: an International commodity

Glass an accidental discovery, in an ancient kiln in the Mediterranean region, almost 3500 years ago, it is the apparently infinite flexibility of glass that has rapt and captured the imagination of mankind, ever since. After its discovery, glass was made into thin sheets, which were strong enough to be used as windows, and stronger to use in Automobiles, as power reflectors to use in solar panels etc., and recent days the use of Glass gone beyond the imaginations.

Glass is the most eco-friendly for packaging and Building material. Principal raw materials used in the manufacture of glass are silica sand, soda ash, calcite, dolomite, etc... The usage in developed countries is very high and developing countries also adopting Glass as a precious building material.

Imports of Glass & Glass Wares in Africa:

Africa is major destination for several minerals like tungsten, diamond and petrol. But, it fully depends on other countries for the end used products. 900 Million Populated African continent, still on growing process. Africa becomes major trade centre for china, India and other Asian countries. East & South Africa already attracted several investors and traders around the world. Lot of foreign companies opened their shops there. Apart from that, North and West Africa came to lime light of the international trade.

Major Glass Products Imports in Africa:

• Cast glass sheet, colored absorbent reflect Cast glass sheet, non-wired, clear Cast glass profiles


• Drawn glass sheet colored, absorbing, reflect, , clear
  


• Float glass etc sheets, absorbent or reflecting layer, colored throughout wired
  


• Safety glass (tempered) for vehicles, aircraft, etc), non-vehicle use


• Multiple-walled insulating units of glass • Glass-ceramic ware for table kitchen, etc
  


• Glass fibers, glass wool and articles
  

Float Glass and Safety Glass are major part of the imports in South Africa and other African countries.

Africa Imports – country wise:

South Africa is one of the biggest importers of Glass in Africa. 46% of the Import is consumed by South Africa itself from total Africa's Import. South Africa Construction Industry Glass usage in Building Industry increases 10-15% annually, Morocco and Algeria follows the trends.

Exports: Glass and Glass wares from India:

India is a Major Trade Partner for AFRICA. African continent is one of the biggest Importers from India. South Africa is one of the foremost Importers from India for glass and Glass ware products.

28% of the Export has been sent to South Africa and another 28% of exports to Nigeria.

Tanzania is another country becomes important destination for Glass products as their import volumes are 22%.

Algeria and Morocco follows as 10% & 8% in terms volume imports from India.


Tanzania’s GDP Growth was 7.3% in 2007 according UN statistics and The country’s expenditure is also growing around 8% annually, while construction industry growth rats is 8.7%.

South Africa’ GDP Growth was 5.1% in 2007 and Expenditure growth rate is 10.4% in imports. Economic Activity - Rate of Growth in construction is 18.1%

Export statistics: India-Africa





Glass exporters are mainly concentrating in East & South Africa, where the trade potential is high. Also, they can keep an eye on other part of Africa in North and West African countries where the economy is booming. Africa is changing and growing in the manner of International Trade. Construction Industry have long term growth prospectus and it will support Glass & Glass ware Exporters in near future.

Marketing Strategy: should be planned as per Company’s Trading policies.

Best wishes.... ssuressh@gmail.com