By Anil Taneja,
World, October 1, 2026
The severe disruptions to transport due to the conflict in the Gulf and rising inflation everywhere, among many factors, has created so much uncertainty that new investments have collapsed, international trade has considerably slowed.
Brazil, October 1, 2026
Construction industry has been doing well in many cities in recent months but there are doubts whether the momentum will continue in the future. Exports, mainly of quartzite, is keeping the factories busy.
China, October 1, 2026
Stone exporters are giving extremely competitive prices in bidding for projects all over the world but the Gulf conflict has hit them hard.
Europe, October 1, 2026
East European countries are doing fine, they are the bright spot. In rest of Europe the mood has been mostly negative.
India, October 1, 2026
Local market in construction remains resilient in the face of so many negative factors. 5 of the top 10 cities with the highest number of cranes are in India, proof of where the dynamism exists. Exports, though, have been hit hard.
Middle East and North Africa, October 1, 2026
Turmoil in the region. Some markets may take years to recover, but only until the conflict in the Gulf ends, can one talk of the prospects.
U.S.A., October 1, 2026
Business is tougher in an environment of high energy prices and other input costs, cost of money, tariffs, shipping delays. The premium segment, where luxury homes are being built and natural stone is widely used, is relatively unaffected. Many small and medium sized importers and fabricators are struggling to survive.
