The onset of events interrupted the positive streak of the January-February two-month period, causing a significant decline in exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Supply chain readjustment was faster than expected for Turkey, Greece, and Italy — The Chinese market remains an exception
The first four months of 2026 evolved into a period of sharp fluctuations for the international trade of natural stones. Unexpected developments in the wider Middle East region, which manifested in early spring, directly affected the flow of marble exports to two of the region’s most important consumer hubs: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The analysis of trade data for the four main industry players — Turkey, Greece, Italy, and China — reveals a common pattern: a stable and dynamic start at the beginning of the year, a significant retreat in orders and deliveries during March, and a notable trend of readjustment and recovery of balances in April.
The March Shift: Impact on Supply Chain Flows
The months of January and February moved with positive signs for most exporters. Turkey maintained steadily high rates with exports to Saudi Arabia reaching approximately 8.6 million dollars per month, while Greece recorded an impressive +28.44% increase in value in February towards the same market. Similarly, Italy saw its exports to Saudi Arabia rise by 50.63% in February.
However, the arrival of March and the onset of events in the Middle East abruptly changed the landscape. Trade routes and logistics processes were affected, leading to a sharp reduction in volumes and value. Turkish exports to Saudi Arabia fell by 63.06%, while the decrease to the UAE reached -75.49% in value and -84.01% in quantity. Greece faced a contraction of -44.34% in Saudi Arabia and -88.56% in the UAE, where the monthly export value was limited to 169 thousand euros.
April: Market Normalization and Recovery of Volumes
Following the initial downturn in transactions, April highlighted the rapid adaptability of trade networks and the resilience of demand. Turkey recorded a strong recovery towards Saudi Arabia with a +116.12% increase compared to March, bringing the value of its exports back to 6.94 million dollars. A similar picture was presented by Greece, which covered the ground lost in the previous month with an +81.22% increase in Saudi Arabia, reaching the level of 4.17 million euros.
In the UAE market, the stabilization trend was equally visible. Turkish exports increased by 59.90% (with quantity recording an impressive +290.29% jump), while Italy noted a +46.78% increase in value and +106.58% in volume, confirming that demand for high-end materials remained active.
The Path of the Chinese Market
In contrast to the Mediterranean countries that showed quick recovery reflexes in April, China followed a steadily declining path. Chinese exports to Saudi Arabia continued to drop in April (-56.86%), suggesting a deeper restructuring of its distribution networks or a shift of buyers toward geographically closer sources.
Conclusions
The fluctuation of indicators in March 2026 tested the reflexes of the marble supply chain. Although the initial impact on flows was clear, the rapid normalization and the rise of figures in April demonstrate that major construction projects in the Gulf region continue to absorb significant quantities of natural stone, leading the market into a new state of equilibrium.
