Chinese glass imports top $140 million in 2006

Last year, China ranked third among importing countries for flat glass, capturing 17 percent of the U.S. glass import market at a value of $142 million, according to an April 20 release from Research and Markets of Dublin. The release is based on Research and Market’s report, Flat Glass Manufacturing Industry in the U.S. and its Foreign Trade that covers the industry since 1996.

Mexico was the No. 1 importer, with $191 million in imports, followed closely by Canada, with $182 million in imports.

Total exports from the United States increased about 21 percent during the year, reaching $1.2 billion. The top three exporting countries for U.S. flat glass products included: Canada, with $434 million in exports, Taiwan, with $254 million, and Japan, with $132 million.

Despite the increase in exports, the U.S. glass industry saw a trade deficit of more than $3.3 billion, according to the report.

The report covers data from 72 U.S. flat glass manufacturers, including float companies, and insulating-, laminated- and tempered-glass fabricators.

For 2006, the total revenue for those companies reached $3.7 billion, with a gross profit of more than $1.3 billion, according to the report.

The full 142-page report contains data through March of this year, and offers information on topics such as labor and compensation, imports and exports, industry structure, and a four-year financial statement, according to the release.

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