May 6
2026

A glimpse of Stone+tec 2024.

Stone+tec in Nuremberg (June 17 – 20, 2026) has traditionally focused on the German-speaking countries (DACH: Germany, Austria, Switzerland). They are among the major importers of natural stone – yet market access there has previously been difficult for new suppliers, as a handful of wholesalers and large companies dominated the trade.

In recent years, however, a number of smaller firms have emerged as new importers.

Stone+tec puts natural stone in the DACH countries centre stage. Its exhibition areas cover “Building with Natural Stone,” “Equipment for Professionals” and “Place of Remembrance” (cemetery). For material suppliers and machinery manufacturers alike, the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with existing and new customers is a key reason for attending the event in Nuremberg.

With a population of 83 million, Germany is the heavyweight among the DACH countries. According to figures from the national association, domestic consumption of natural stone had seen annual increases of +6% over the past decades, reaching €600 million in 2024. Imports accounted for approximately €400 million of this annually (there had been a sharp decline in 2024).

Austria has 9.2 million citizens. In 2024, it imported natural stone products worth €77.763 million, according to the Austrian Statistical Office. Compared to the previous year, this represented a decline of just under 10%.

For Switzerland (population 9.1 million), the data situation is lacking. The association can only provide estimates: the annual volume of natural stone used is put at one million tonnes. Around half of this is said to come from abroad. It is noteworthy that, for many years, the country had the world’s highest per capita consumption of natural stone, according to the annual statistics by Dr Carlo Montani.

German Natural Stone Association (German)

Austria: Hallein Stone Centre (German)

Swiss Natural Stone Association (German)