U.S. Surface Imports Jan.-Feb. 2017: The Year Starts Well

U.S. imports of dimensional granite started 2017 in a down position – but, compared to late last year, things are looking up.

Imports of “worked” (cut, one side polished) granite in January-February this year lagged behind the same time in 2016 by 9.7%. While that’s not great news, it’s bright when compared to the double-digit loss rates in shipments last year.

Other sectors, including worked marble and quartz surfaces, went the other way with double-digit growth in imports during the first two months of the year. The only variety to take a big hit is travertine; unsurprisingly, the decline from January-February 2016 from major supplier Turkey (-30.2%) is an exact match of the combined drop in travertine imports from all countries.

Beginning this month, Stone Update reports import numbers in a different way. Instead of a collection of numberic charts, monthly imports are shown with “doughnut” charts featuring national flags. We hope that you, along with Sheldon Cooper, enjoy the new look.

 

WORKED GRANITE

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Jan.-Feb. 2017: 212,930 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: -9.7%

 

Market leader: Brazil, 98,027 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: -5.6%

 

 

WORKED MARBLE

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Jan.-Feb. 2017: 69,928 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: +21.8%

 

Market leader: China, 26,108 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: +49.3%

 

 

QUARTZ SURFACES

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Jan.-Feb. 2017: 15.399.793 ft²

 

Change from previous year: +26.1%

 

Market leader: China, 7,780,664 ft²

 

Change from previous year: +53.0%

 

 

 

 

TRAVERTINE

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Jan.-Feb. 2017: 59,632 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: -30.2%

 

Market leader: Turkey, 46,907 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: -30.2%

 

 

 

OTHER CALCAREOUS

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 Jan.-Feb. 2017: 21,668 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: +10.1%

 

Market leader: Turkey, 4,241 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: +65.2%

 

 

OTHER STONE

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Jan.-Feb. 2017: 64,031 metric tons

 

 

Change from previous year: -5.1%

 

Market leader: Brazil, 30,269 metric tons

 

Change from previous year: +31.7%