The Greek marble export sector underwent structural pressure and realignments during the first half of 2026. Official trade data processed by Stonenews.eu shows that while the total volume exported remained essentially flat (+0.42%), total export revenue dropped significantly by 10.29%, falling to €123.21 million compared to €137.34 million in H1 2025.
This marked divergence between volume and value reflects a 10.66% decrease in the weighted average export price per tonne (€359.15/tonne compared to €402.01/tonne in H1 2025). The trend is driven by intense pricing pressure across key destination markets, alongside an unfavorable shift in the export product mix—specifically, a higher share of raw marble blocks (lower unit value) relative to processed marble products with higher value-added.
Overview Table — H1 2025 vs H1 2026
| Indicator | H1 2025 | H1 2026 | Change (%) |
| Total Export Value (€) | 137,330,000 | 123,210,000 | -10.29% |
| Total Volume (Tonnes) | 341,620 | 343,060 | +0.42% |
| Average Price (€/Tonne) | 402.01 | 359.15 | -10.66% |
| Raw Marble Value (€) | 51,720,000 | 52,890,000 | +2.25% |
| Raw Marble Volume (Tonnes) | 243,950 | 257,200 | +5.43% |
| Raw Average Price (€/Tonne) | 212.01 | 205.65 | -3.02% |
| Processed Marble Value (€) | 85,610,000 | 70,320,000 | -17.86% |
| Processed Marble Volume (Tonnes) | 97,670 | 85,860 | -12.08% |
| Processed Average Price (€/Tonne) | 876.52 | 818.99 | -6.56% |
1. Raw Marble: Volume Growth Amid Historical Lows in Unit Prices
Exports of raw marble blocks and slabs reached €52.89 million in H1 2026, marking a 2.25% increase in value, supported by a 5.43% rise in volume (257,200 tonnes). However, the average price per tonne dropped further to €205.65 (-3.02%), registering the lowest level of the entire 2016–2026 decade.
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China’s Dominance and Price Compression: China retained its position as the dominant buyer, absorbing 67.23% of Greece’s raw marble export value (€35.55M, +5.36%) and 65.97% of volume (169,700 tonnes, +13.10%). However, average unit values to China fell to €209.58/tonne (-6.85%), cumulative to a 42.59% drop compared to the peak recorded in 2019 (€365.03/tonne).
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India as a Growth Engine: India emerged as the strongest growth market for raw Greek marble, soaring 61.28% in value (€4.94M) and 39.68% in volume. Average prices in India increased to €223.10/tonne (+15.46%), proving that Indian buyers are absorbing higher-grade raw blocks.
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Rest of the World: Excluding China and India, raw marble shipments to all other markets declined by 3.59% in value, confirming that secondary markets cannot absorb the volumes traditionally directed to East Asia.
2. Processed Products: Steep Decline in the Gulf and Steady US Slowdown
Processed marble—the primary revenue generator for Greek quarrying companies—experienced severe headwinds. Total value plunged 17.86% (€70.32M), while volume fell 12.08% to 85,860 tonnes, marking the lowest half-year volume recorded over the last ten years.
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GCC Collapse: Export value to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain plunged by 48.62% (€7.03M down from €13.69M in H1 2025). This dramatic drop accounts for 43.54% of the total revenue loss in processed marble. Geopolitical tensions and maritime transport disruptions during Q2 significantly delayed project deliveries.
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United States Slowdown: Shipments to the US dropped 6.93% in value (€10.94M) and 8.96% in volume. Despite the slowdown, the US remains the highest-yielding market, maintaining an average price of €2,064.54 per tonne.
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Positive Outliers (Saudi Arabia & Cyprus): Saudi Arabia consolidated its position as the largest single destination for Greek processed marble, growing 9.59% to €20.32 million. Cyprus also posted robust gains (+8.93% to €5.69M).
3. Product Mix Shift and Strategic Conclusions
The product mix shifted further toward raw materials: raw marble’s share in total export revenue expanded to 42.92% (up from 37.66% in H1 2025), while processed marble dropped to 57.08% (down from 62.34%).
The H1 2026 results illustrate a clear dilemma: high volume dependency on China keeps quarry operations active but compresses profit margins due to falling raw prices. Meanwhile, value-added processed exports are vulnerable to geopolitical and macroeconomic shocks in the Middle East and the Americas. Diversifying into expanding markets like India and Saudi Arabia, combined with strict cost controls, remains essential for preserving sector margins in H2 2026.
Data Source: Eurostat / Analysis: Stonenews.eu
