Author
Lisa McDonald
Engineered ceramics are vital materials in modern society, enabling everything from advanced electronics to precision medicine to high-temperature energy and transportation applications. Yet most people are unaware of the critical role that ceramics fill, which is what led to the somewhat embarrassing oversight when refractories were left off the essential industries list of many countries during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shutdown in March and April, coupled with a subsequent increase in industrial costs of up to 40%, has brought to a halt in 2026 the recovery in total production, domestic sales and tile exports recorded by the Indian ceramic industry in 2025.
by Paola Giacomini