Rome, Oct 1 (IANS/AKI): Italy's ceramics sector is set to expand by four percent this due to fuelling of exports and an expected turn over of 5 billion euros (about $5.5 billion), according to its main business association, Confindustria Ceramica.

"The most dynamic part of the market is exports, which now amount to over 80 percent of turnover and were worth 2.23 billion euros in the first six months of the year," said Confindustria Ceramica President Emilio Mussini.

He made the announcement while speaking on the opening day of the 33rd International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, in the city of Bologna.

"The globalisation of the sector's production means this will reach some 480 million square metres worldwide," he said.

The US and Asia, where exports climbed 32.4 percent and by 11.2 percent respectively, were especially buoyant markets, Mussini said.

"All the main export markets have performed strongly," he stated.

The exhibition will run until Friday.