HS Code:
The category 'Merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape' under HS Code (likely falling under 2515 or 2516 for marble, granite, or other stones) pertains to natural stone products that have been processed by cutting into blocks or slabs without further working. These products are primarily used in construction, architecture, and design for applications such as countertops, flooring, and facades. This category includes materials like marble, granite, sandstone, and other monumental or building stones, reflecting a significant segment of the global stone industry.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $5.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$1.1 billion USD
21.2% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$900 million USD
17.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$750 million USD
14.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$500 million USD
9.6% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$450 million USD
8.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
5.5% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (imposed by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU Single Market or USMCA)
Rising demand for natural stone in luxury construction
Increased exports from countries with premium stone varieties like Italy and Brazil, driving higher trade volumes in high-income markets.
2021-2022
Shift towards sustainable quarrying practices
Countries with stricter environmental regulations may face higher production costs, potentially shifting trade to less regulated regions.
2020-2022
Growing competition from engineered stone alternatives
Natural stone slabs face competition from quartz and other synthetic materials, slightly reducing demand in cost-sensitive markets.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced new regulations requiring certification of sustainable quarrying practices for imported stone products, impacting exporters from non-compliant regions.
March 2023
Potential increase in costs for exporters like India and Turkey, while benefiting compliant countries like Italy.
A revised trade agreement between the US and China reduced tariffs on certain stone products, boosting Chinese exports of granite slabs to the US market.
January 2023
Increased trade volume for China, potentially affecting competitors like Brazil and India in the US market.
New laser-cutting technologies have improved precision and reduced waste in stone slab production, adopted widely in Italy and China.
September 2022
Enhanced competitiveness for adopting countries through cost reduction and quality improvement.