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

250 2017 JanFeb GraniteClick on chart to enlarge

 

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

250 2017 JanFeb MarbleClick on chart to enlarge

 

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

250 2017 JanFeb QuartzClick on chart to enlarge

 

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

250 2017 JanFeb TravertineClick on chart to enlarge

 

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

 250 2017 JanFeb OtherCalcClick on chart to enlarge

 

 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

2500 2017 JanFeb Other StoneClick on chart to enlarge

 

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%