Official economic data on Portugal’s natural stone exports for the first quarter of the 2025–2026 period reveal contrasting trends between the marble and granite sectors. While the marble sector experienced a decline in its overall figures, the granite sector showed a marginal increase in export value, influenced by fluctuations in international prices.
Marble Sector: Decline in Total Figures
Total marble exports during the quarter under review amounted to €22,916,282.00 in value and 61,502.32 tonnes in quantity, recording a decrease of -4.67% and -9.66% respectively. The performance of the individual categories was as follows:
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Processed Marble: Export value fell by -19.10%, settling at €11,333,978.00. This decline occurred despite a +3.44% increase in the exported quantity (reaching 15,371.35 tonnes), a development attributed to a significant -21.80% drop in the average price per tonne.
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Unprocessed Marble: Conversely, export value increased by +15.48%, reaching €11,582,304.00, even though export volume declined by -13.31% (46,130.97 tonnes). The growth in total value was driven exclusively by a +33.22% increase in the average price per tonne.
Granite Sector: Stabilization with Moderate Value Growth
The granite sector demonstrated greater stability, with total exports reaching €29,944,476.00, marking a positive change of +3.23% compared to the previous period. The total quantity showed a slight decrease of -2.86%, closing at 124,093.04 tonnes.
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Processed Granite: This remains the primary revenue pillar for the sector, with its value standing at €23,255,366.00 (a +3.86% increase). This positive shift was achieved despite a significant -20.00% reduction in volume (41,695.27 tonnes), as it was offset by a +29.82% rise in the average price per tonne.
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Unprocessed Granite: Export value amounted to €6,689,110.00, noting a marginal increase of +1.11%. In this case, the exported quantity grew by +8,95% (82,397.77 tonnes), however, the final value was contained due to a -7.19% decline in the average price per tonne.
First-quarter data indicate that the Portuguese natural stone market is operating at two different speeds. In the marble sector, momentum shifted toward raw materials due to higher international prices, whereas in the granite sector, processed products remained the main revenue driver, absorbing the impact of reduced sales volumes.
