By Anil Taneja,
World, April 15, 2025
So much uncertainty everywhere that it is hard to know what lies ahead in terms of prospects for the stone industry, or, for that matter, for any type of economic activity.
Brazil, April 15, 2025
The local market for construction remains dynamic with many ongoing projects going on all over the country. The local economy is in trouble with high inflation and interest rates. The worldwide popularity of the quartzite Taj Mahal, available in seemingly unlimited quantities, ensures the Brazilian factories are, by and large, busy. But the slowdown in US will hurt the stone exporters.
Central / East Europe, April 15, 2025
The Polish market is improving. Other smaller countries continue to be more or less stable markets. The Turkish industry remains hugely oversized compared to demand and many quarries and factories are closing down.
China, April 15, 2025
The construction industry in China is not going to recover any time soon so there will be less and less companies surviving the slowdown. Many stone companies are now focusing on high design component in their offerings and experimenting with new applications.
Far East, April 15, 2025
The East Asian countries economies are noting the effect of the slowdown in China. The chaos in the tariff wars will hit some countries hard, especially Vietnam. Demand in most other countries is expected to decline, at least unless there is greater certainty in international trade.
India, April 15, 2025
The local market is doing relatively well and looks solid. India has become the most interesting market for blocks suppliers of marble, limestone, etc. from other countries. It is the exporters who are struggling in a weak international environment.
Latin America, April 15, 2025
México had become a very dynamic market, both in developing the local industry and in imports of stone but there will likely be a slowdown in demand. Other countries are likely to suffer from a global slowdown.
Middle East and North Africa, April 15, 2025
There are a lot of projects going on in the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. But not everyone is able to sell in these markets. The North African countries remain fairly dynamic in the low-priced segment.
U.S.A., April 15, 2025
TThe daily news on tariffs being imposed on other countries has created tremendous uncertainty for importers, and they are becoming cautious. With inflation widely expected to increase soon, and so much talk on an imminent economic recession, the expected construction boom is unlikely to take place any time soon.
Western Europe, April 15, 2025
2025 was expected to be a year of economic slowdown and weak demand, and so far nothing suggests the outlook has changed. South Europe looks in better situation, but it is porcelain that is increasing its market share.
