The Beginning
The history of glass-making dates to at least 3,600 BC and the earliest known glass objects of the mid 2,000 BC. Glass products remained a luxury until the late bronze age civilization and the development of glass technology in India may have begun in 1,730 BC. In ancient China glassmaking had a later start compared to ceramics and metal work.
The Evolution
Today glassware has become an integral part of every household and has seen a surge in the Indian market since the late 90s. Demand for glassware products has increased significantly from year to year, as seen from the increasing number of glassware craftsmen in several cities around the world and especially from Indonesia. Apart from using just glass, ceramic porcelain or pottery is also popular feature in modern day residences, offices and restaurants.
In recent years, designs and models of porcelain fixtures have evolved so much with many people are buying in to it, while glass is seen has more of a collector’s item. This has given glassware makers a umph factor to up the ante – thus transforming glassware as lifestyle product.
The Indonesian Journey
Glassware production in Indonesia is currently growing rapidly, ranking 23rd as an exporter of glassware products (HS 7013), while being superior to other South-east Asian countries like Malaysia and Vietnam. But the sluggish world economy, coupled with the trade war of the United States and China led to a decline in exports of Indonesian glassware products since. Despite a decline in the value of exports of Indonesian glassware products to the world market the Ministry of Trade in the following year stated that the value of exports increased through synergy and cooperation between Related Ministries & Institutions.
The Market Review
Based on statistical BPS data that has been processed, 5 Indonesian glass products & their derivatives were successfully exported to the world namely –
(1) Glassware for tables, other than drinking glasses
(2) Glassware for bathrooms, offices, indoor décor and similar purposes
(3) Drinking glasses, other than glass ceramics/lead crystal
(4) Glass-ceramics for tables, kitchens, bathrooms, offices, indoor décor
(5) Stemware drinking glasses, other than glass-ceramics/lead crystal
The Numbers
The main export destination country of Indonesia for glass products and its derivatives has been Brazil, with an export value of US $ 7.85 million with a market share of 14.36% of the national export value. After Brazil, the second major destination has been Japan with an export value of US $ 7.4 million having a market share of 13.53%, followed by Vietnam with an export value of US $ 5.5 million with a market share of 10.03%, South Africa with an export value of US $ 3.9 Million and a market share of 7.12% and the United States with an export value of US $ 3.5 Million or having a market share of 6.41%.
The Promotion
The Ministry of Trade of Republic of Indonesia has improved the glassware market and the export of other Indonesian products by strategically designating Commercial Attaché and Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) around the world. Each major city hosts one of these prestigious attachés or centers spanning across Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Vietnam. These designated offices are in charge of improving the trade of Indonesian products across the globe and are effectively involved a host of activities which includes events, meetings and many more throughout the year.
Source: Export News Indonesia by Ministry of Trade
