The Italian natural stone industry has experienced significant growth in 2024, with exports increasing by 6% in value during the first ten months of the year compared to the same period in 2023. This upward trend highlights the resilience and competitiveness of Italy’s stone sector in the global market.
Growth in Raw Materials and Finished Products Exports
Breaking down the figures, exports of “raw materials” saw a remarkable increase of 9.9% in value compared to the first ten months of 2023. This growth indicates a rising global demand for high-quality Italian stone in its unprocessed form. Meanwhile, the exports of “slabs and finished products” also recorded a positive trend, growing by 5% in value over the same period. This reflects the sustained interest in Italian craftsmanship and premium-quality stone products worldwide.
Key International Markets
China remains the leading importer of Italian “raw materials,” with purchases totaling 190.2 million euros, marking an impressive 25.6% increase in imports. In contrast, India, the second-largest importer of Italian raw stone, saw a decline of 14.9%, with imports amounting to 38.8 million euros.
For “slabs and finished products,” the United States continues to be the dominant buyer, importing goods worth 440.7 million euros, an increase of 12.1% compared to the previous year. Germany follows as the second-largest importer, purchasing 108 million euros’ worth of products, with only a slight decrease of 0.8%.
Rising Average Export Prices
Another notable development is the increase in the average price of Italian stone products exported abroad. In the first ten months of 2024, the average price reached 1,006.16 euros per ton, compared to 969.89 euros per ton during the same period in 2023. This represents an approximate 3.9% rise in the average export price, suggesting stronger market positioning and a growing appreciation for Italy’s high-end stone materials.
Conclusion
The Italian natural stone sector has demonstrated robust growth in 2024, fueled by increasing demand from key markets such as China and the U.S. Despite some declines in imports from India and Germany, the overall upward trend in exports, coupled with higher average prices, underscores Italy’s enduring reputation as a global leader in natural stone production and trade. Moving forward, maintaining this positive momentum will be crucial for sustaining the industry’s international success.
Source: Markets Trends Analysis Office Confindustria Marmomacchine Association
