Table 3 Structured comparison of the five competitive forces in the natural stone and ceramic tile industries.
Competitive force | Natural stone | Ceramic tile |
|---|---|---|
Threat of new entrants | Moderate - requires specific quarrying equipment and permits | High-technology is accessible, many new producers. |
Bargaining power of suppliers | High - few local suppliers, location-dependent materials. | Moderate - global supply chains provide flexibility. |
Bargaining power of buyers | High-price-sensitive market with many alternatives. | High - highly competitive and commoditized market. |
Threat of substitutes | High-composite materials and engineered stones. | High - alternatives like vinyl, laminate flooring. |
Industry rivalry | Moderate - traditional market with moderate competition. | Very high - intense global competition and price wars. |
