By Anil Taneja,
World, September 9, 2025
Uncertainty, not just related to the tariffs to be imposed by US, but also weak economic growth almost everywhere, huge oversupply of slabs in the market, means there is tremendous price pressure in most places. Not much optimism to be seen.
Brazil, September 9, 2025
The Brazilian quartzite exporters to USA are exempt from the 50% tariffs imposed on the country but the US market for other stones has dried up. Some local companies have been forced to reduce the number of employees. Overall, the local market remains fairly active even though the overall economy is sluggish.
Central / East Europe, September 9, 2025
A relatively bright spot is eastern EU countries where the business mood is positive. The stone industry in Poland is doing decently well but there is a shortage of workers and huge oversupply of stone from everywhere. Other countries in the region continue to be stable markets. The Turkish industry remains hugely oversized compared to demand, many companies are in trouble.
China, September 9, 2025
A very difficult situation for the traditional stone companies facing severe price pressures, even by the Chinese standards of ruthless competition. Many Chinese stone companies are increasingly focusing on high design component in their offerings and on furniture in natural stone. The Chinese machinery manufacturers seem to have caught up with the Italians in technology, but there are simply not enough investments currently taking place anywhere.
Far East, September 9, 2025
The East Asian countries economies are noting the effect of the slowdown in China and the huge oversupply of stone of all varieties. Indonesia is doing fine, for now, but not as buoyant as it was a couple of years ago.
India, September 9, 2025
The local market remains solid. Those companies working with local materials and selling in the local market, are doing very well. Those working with imported blocks also have enough orders. The 50% tariffs imposed by USA on goods from India means that market has disappeared for now, but exports to USA from India form a very small part of the total industry.
Latin America, September 9, 2025
México remains a dynamic market. Other countries are much smaller markets, but are stable.
Middle East and North Africa, September 9, 2025
There are several big size projects going on in the Gulf countries, especially in Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. Those companies working on these projects are doing well. The North African countries, extremely price sensitive, generate some volume, but with low profitability.
U.S.A., September 9, 2025
Payment of the tariffs before imported stone is released from the customs can means a significant cash outflow for importers and this is creating problems for many small and medium sized companies. Right now, the US market seems to be oversupplied with buyers front forwarding their purchases before the tariffs were implemented. Retail prices pf stone have risen to some extent. The overall market remains strong, for now.
Western Europe, September 9, 2025
This is being a year of weak demand, and the severe shortage of skilled workers only makes everything worse. South Europe is in better situation. Spain's construction and renovation industry is very dynamic, but it is other alternative materials that are the main suppliers.
