Oct 9
2024

Source: Cluster Piedra

Cluster Piedra head Javier Fernández Cortés sees the stone sector facing an adjustment to “increased uncertainty and volatility,“ for example in prices

Like most major natural stone countries, Spain recorded significant declines in both exports and imports in 2023. However, the sector’s trade balance remained almost stable compared to the previous year, the Cluster Piedra states in its statistics.

In figures, exports – compared to the previous year – amounted to €811 million (-4.95%). Imports fell significantly, by (-)17.06% to €156 million. Domestic production reached €1.425 billion (-5% compared to 2022).

This means that domestic consumption of stone products worth almost €800 million can be calculated for 2023.

The two tables above show the distribution of exports.

The following table shows the development over the last three years:

Source: Cluster Piedra

The following table lists the most important target countries:

Source: Cluster Piedra

The following table shows the countries from which Spain sourced natural stone products:

Source: Cluster Piedra

As usual, the Spanish statistics include a detailed market analysis by Javier Fernández Cortés, Secretary General of the Piedra Cluster and Director of the CT Marmol Technology Center. He notes a difficult situation in the construction industry worldwide and sees problems in the supply chain, geopolitics and global inflation as important global factors.

The situation is also made more difficult for companies by stricter environmental regulations and natural disasters.

Overall, he sees a “reality with increased uncertainty and volatility“ in prices, for example, and recommends that companies adapt to this: “ Stone companies need flexible and resilient strategies to navigate these challenges, including diversifying supply sources and adopting technologies that can mitigate the impacts of price volatility.”

He has some quiet praise for the companies at home: “Despite this, the natural stone sector in Spain has continued to adapt to global market fluctuations, showing resilience against the disruption factors. Throughout 2023, significant changes were observed in export and import patterns, reflecting both emerging opportunities and persistent challenges in the international trade of natural stone.”

Cluster Piedra (Spanish)

(09.10.2024, USA: 10.09.2024)