The Indonesian Various Ceramic Industries Association (ASAKI) aims to increase export of ceramic products to 330 million U.S. dollars by the end of this year, a significant growth from 210 million dollars in 2009, the Jakarta Post quoted an official as saying on Saturday.

"We're optimistic this year's export will reach 330 million dollars despite the strengthening of rupiah against U.S. dollar in the first quarter," the association's chairman Achmad Widjaja told a press conference on the upcoming 2010 world ceramic tile manufacturer forum on Friday.

According to ASAKI's latest data, the ceramic industry's annual production capacity reached an average of between 237 million and 243 million cubic meters for floor tile, 150 million cubic meters for roof tile, 253 million pieces for tableware and 5 million pieces of sanitary supplies.

Achmad believed the industry would grow despite worries over the market being flooded by cheaper imported ceramics, particularly after the implementation of free trade with China and Malaysia.

Domestic sales of ceramic products reached an average of 15 trillion rupiah (1.62 billion dollars) annually, he said.

"The ceramics industry is fiercely protected by the government. It may be the only industry across the country that has such enormous protection," he said.