By Anil Taneja,
World, July 30, 2026
In an otherwise very uncertain macro-economic environment few countries are doing well in the stone industry. Local stone is being used more often at a time there are serious disruptions in shipping.
Brazil, July 30, 2026
Construction industry is booming in many cities with many new projects. The local industry is very busy.
China, July 30, 2026
The real estate boom in China ended several years ago and today's stone industry has adapted to the new reality. Stone exporters are extremely competitive in bidding for projects all over the world. The design component in the local market is now very high.
Europe, July 30, 2026
This will be a very forgettable year for the stone industry. Spain's local market is dynamic but even there the local industry is unable to fully exploit the buoyant situation. Polish market and other smaller countries remain dynamic, but use of natural stone is decreasing in construction projects.
India, July 30, 2026
The prolonged Gulf conflict, along with other factors, has cooled down the mood in the industry. Sky high shipping rates along with other disruptions is hurting the exporters. In local market the steady rise in housing prices in the premium segment may have peaked and a slowdown is becoming evident. This is one segment where natural stone, especially imported, is most used. Higher energy prices is an additional pain.
Middle East and North Africa, July 30, 2026
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The ongoing conflict in the region has thrown everything into turmoil. Still, local companies are working to finalise ongoing projects often importing stone at very high transport costs.
U.S.A., July 30, 2026
Business is tougher in an environment of high energy prices and other input costs, cost of money, tariffs, shipping delays. Construction slowdown has reduced demand, but renovation activity continues at decent levels.
