The UK marble market recorded diverging trends in import value and volume during the first half of 2026. The total value of marble imports increased by 6.5%, while imported volumes rose by 29.63%. This growth in volume was accompanied by a 17.85% decline in the average price per ton, highlighting the gap between the increase in quantities and the corresponding change in trade value.
A similar pattern emerged in finished marble products, where import value increased by 7.76% and volumes rose by 25.52%, while the average price per ton fell by 14.15%.
Sharp Changes in Marble Blocks and Slabs
The widest divergence between value and volume was recorded in marble blocks and slabs. Imported volumes increased by 63.75% in H1 2026, but their total value declined by 10.41%. At the same time, the average price per ton fell by 45.29%, the steepest decrease among the product categories covered by the data.
This trend contrasts with the performance of finished marble products and highlights the importance of distinguishing between raw materials and processed products when assessing trade performance.
Granite: Diverging Trends for Raw Materials and Finished Products
Granite blocks and slabs recorded declines in both import value and volume. Value fell by 8.18%, while quantities decreased by 21.01%. In contrast, the average price per ton increased by 5.14%.
Finished granite products followed a different trajectory. Their import value rose by 10.53%, despite a 3.30% decline in volume. The average price per ton increased by 18.31%, the strongest rise among the product categories included in the data.
These contrasting results underline the different dynamics across granite product segments, with finished products generating higher import value despite lower volumes.
Quartzite Imports Maintain Positive Momentum
Both raw and finished quartzite recorded positive changes in import value and volume. Imports of raw quartzite increased by 10.61% in value and 13% in volume, while the average price per ton declined by 2.12%.
Finished quartzite performed more strongly. Import value increased by 20.92%, while volumes rose by 16.86%. The average price per ton also increased by 3.47%, combining volume growth with a higher average value per ton.
Different Trends Across the Natural Stone Market
The H1 2026 figures highlight differing trends across the UK natural stone market. Marble imports recorded substantial volume growth alongside a marked decline in average prices, particularly in blocks and slabs. In granite, finished products gained in value and average price despite lower volumes. Quartzite, meanwhile, recorded increases in both import value and volume, with finished products delivering the strongest performance.
For natural stone businesses, examining import value, volume and average price per ton together provides a more comprehensive picture of market developments in the UK. However, changes in average prices do not necessarily reflect price movements for comparable products, as they may also be influenced by changes in the composition of imports.
