Analysis and Studies - Products analysis
Marble, Alabaster and Travertine: import and export
August 26th 2024
Marble, alabaster, and travertine are natural stones, each with unique characteristics that influence their use in art and architecture.
Marble, a hard, durable stone formed through the metamorphosis of limestone, is known for its smooth, crystalline texture and is commonly used in sculptures and luxurious architectural elements. Alabaster, on the other hand, is a softer, fine-grained stone with a translucent quality, making it ideal for decorative objects and light fixtures, though it requires careful handling due to its fragility. Travertine, a type of limestone formed in mineral springs, is characterized by its porous texture and warm, earthy tones, making it a popular choice for flooring, wall cladding, and outdoor use. While marble is favored for its elegance and durability, alabaster is prized for its ease of carving and delicate appearance, and travertine is valued for its natural warmth and versatility in various architectural applications.
In 2022, marble, alabaster and travertine were the world's 774th most traded product, with a total trade of $2.03B, and between 2021 and 2022 their exports decreased by -11.3%, from $2.29B to $2.03B.
In 2022 the country which exported the product the most was Turkey with a trade of $657M, ahead of Italy ($377M), Greece ($152M), Iran ($86.1M), and Portugal ($84.1M). whereas the most significant importer was China with a trade of $1.04B, followed by India ($334M), Italy ($114M), Egypt ($61.3M), and Chinese Taipei ($25.3M).
China has become the primary market for exporters of this product, though each country varies in its level of reliance and trade strategy. Turkey is the leading global exporter, with a significant focus on China and India, which together account for the majority of its exports.
Italy also emphasizes trade with China and India but takes a more diversified approach, exporting to a broader range of countries, including the United States. Greece, however, has a heavy concentration of exports to China, making it particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in that market. Iran's exports are almost entirely dependent on China, likely due to geopolitical constraints, while Portugal opts for a more balanced strategy, distributing its exports between China and European markets.
- Turkey (32.4%): 63.8% China, 20.8% India, 3.17% Egypt, 2.33% Italy, 1.28% Chinese Taipei, 0.67% Algeria
- Italy (18.6%): 45.6% China, 22.7% India, 4.73% Egypt, 2.13% Hong Kong, 1.72% Chinese Taipei, 1.47% Saudi Arabia, 1.45% Morocco, 1.35% United States, 1.03% Thailand, 0.28% Turkey
- Greece (7.52%): 60.8% China, 7.22% India, 6.9% Algeria, 3.85% Italy, 2.76% Thailand, 1.96% Egypt
- Iran (4.25%): 83.8% China, 8.86% Italy, 2.78% Turkey, 0.79% Chinese Taipei, 0.45% India
- Portugal (4.15%): 49.6% China, 13.8% India, 8.15% Germany, 4.53% France, 3% Italy, 2. 76% Spain, 0.73% Algeria
China dominates the global marble import market, sourcing extensively from Turkey, Italy, and Greece to meet the demands of its vast construction industry. Turkey plays a crucial role in this market, supplying major importers such as China, India, Egypt, and Chinese Taipei, leveraging its abundant marble resources and strategic location.
Italy, a leading exporter, also imports marble from nations like Namibia and Brazil to supplement its own production. India primarily relies on imports from Turkey and Italy but also engages with regional suppliers like China and Vietnam. Smaller importers like Egypt and Chinese Taipei diversify their sourcing to optimize quality and cost.
- China (51.5%): 40.1% Turkey, 16.5% Italy, 8.87% Greece, 6.9% Iran, 4.42% Cambodia, 3.99% Portugal, 3.24% North Macedonia, 1.94% Brazil, 1.38% Spain1.
- India (16.5%): 41% Turkey, 25.6% Italy, 9.36% China, 7.74% Vietnam, 3.47% Portugal, 3.3% Greece
- Italy (5.63%): 20.7% Namibia, 13.4% Turkey, 7.26% Brazil, 6.77% Croatia, 5.6% China, 5.15% Greece, 3.58% Albania, 3.55% United States, 2.68% India, 2.21% Portugal, 1.3% Spain,1.24% Vietnam
- Egypt (3.02%): 33.9% Turkey, 29.1% Italy, 19.2% Spain, 8.96% India, 4.88% Greece, 1.98% North Macedonia
- Chinese Taipei (1.25%): 33.1% Turkey, 25.6% Italy, 14.8% China, 5.12% Brazil, 4.49% Vietnam, 3.74% Portugal, 3.42% Greece, 2.69% Iran
Between 2021 and 2022, the fastest growing exporter was China, with an increase of $22M, followed by Cambodia ($20.6M), Namibia ($16.9M), United Arab Emirates ($14.4M), and Pakistan ($8.63M).
- China: from $43.5M to $65.5M
- Cambodia: from $27.9M to $48.5M
- Namibia: from $23.1M to $40.1M
- United Arab Emirates: from $34.5M to $48.9M
- Pakistan: from $26.4M to $35.1M
Whereas the imports grew the fastest in India, with an increase of $115M, ahead of Singapore ($11.4M), Egypt ($8.21M), Kuwait ($7.52M), and Saudi Arabia ($5.85M).
- India: from $219M to $334M
- Singapore: from $4.07M to $15.5M
- Egypt: from $53.1M to $61.3M
- Kuwait: from $1.34M to $8.86M
- Saudi Arabia: from $9.17M to $15M
Sources:
https://oec.world/en