Refractory products, which have high thermal resistance, are used to line kilns and furnaces. Therefore, the primary sources of demand for industry products are construction and industrial manufacturing markets, particularly steel manufacturers. Foreign manufacturers that operate cost-competitively, in addition to large economies of scale, have been able to undercut domestic operators, damaging profit. Over the next five years, the industry will likely continue to contend with difficulties, although some bright spots should enable revenue to rise. In particular, improving steel and oil prices are expected to stimulate demand for refractories from metal manufacturing and energy markets. The Clay Brick and Product Manufacturing industry in Canada manufactures clay building material including bricks, mortars and ceramic tiles. Operators also manufacture refractories, which are structures that retain their shape and chemical identity when subjected to high temperatures. Refractories are ideal for use in kilns and furnaces. Major buyers of industry products include building markets, steel manufacturers and companies in the mineral refining sector.