PRODUCT BRIEFS the U.S. imported 2.20 billion sq. ft. of ceramic tile, up 4.7% from 2017 (2.10 billion sq. ft.).Imports comprised 70.7% of 2018 U.S. tile consumption in sq. ft., up from 68.6% in 2017. Top exporters to the U.S. in terms of volume are China, Mexico, Italy, Spain and Brazil. In terms of dollars, Italy was the prime exporter to the U.S., followed by China, Spain, Mexico and Turkey. U.S. shipments (less exports) showed a decline the first time since 2009, down 5.4% from 2017 to 911 million sq. ft. U.S. exports were 29.7 million sq. ft., up 4.4% from 2017 going mainly to Canada and Mexico. PRODUCT BRIEFS ––––––––––––– Please visit tileletter.com for details on these products Florida Tile – Tuscan Villa HDP is a traditional travertine-inspired porcelain tile in a modern palette and clean edges. The movement within each graphic and the premi- um glaze on the surface provides a luxurious distinction. A soft feel contradicts the extreme durability and slip resistance provided by this state-of-the-art glaze. The undula- tions on the surface create a subtle timeworn texture that transports you to the relaxed atmosphere of Tuscany. Three colors come in 6 x 6, 12 x 12, and 12 x 24 field tiles, a 36-piece mosaic and 3 x 12 bullnose. Kalebodur – Kalesinterflex is Turkey’s thinnest, biggest and most flexible ceramic tile with thick- ness varieties of 3mm and 5mm and dimensions of 120x360cm. In addition to walls and floors, it can be used as surfacing mate- rial for tables, coffee units, and other furniture, as well as facades. Environmentally friendly, it requires fewer raw materials, less energy, and less water to manu- facture. Easy to cut, Kalesinterflex is fire and chemical resistant, easy to clean and possesses antibacte- rial, anti-graffiti and photocatalytic qualities. 94 TileLetter | June 2019