China's natural stone export volume edged upward in full-year 2025, but overall export revenue dropped significantly due to steep declines in average unit prices across all major product categories. Presented by He Jiaoyang, Deputy Director of the China Stone Material Association, the 2025 China Stone Import & Export Trade Report shows that total export volume reached 7.985 million metric tons, up 2.2% year-over-year. However, total export value dropped 15.5% to US$4.25 billion. The data highlights an industry-wide price compression and marks a structural transition away from aggressive volume competition toward cost optimization and high-value product innovation.
Export Price Compression Across Product Categories
The trade report details substantial price reductions across processed granite, marble, travertine, and engineered stone. Processed granite exports totaled 2.974 million metric tons at an average unit price of $496 per ton, down significantly from $676 per ton in 2024. Processed marble and travertine exports reached 1.058 million metric tons with average prices falling to $1,048 per ton from $1,206 per ton in the prior year. Similarly, artificial stone tile exports totaled 1.086 million metric tons at $778 per ton, down from $878 per ton in 2024. The sharp drop in export unit prices reflects intense domestic competition among Chinese stone processors seeking to clear inventory amid shifting global economic conditions. While volume growth indicates sustained overseas demand for Chinese stone fabrication services, declining margins have compressed profitability for smaller processing facilities operating in traditional stone clusters. South Korea retained its position as the largest destination for Chinese stone exports with a 19.26% share, followed by the United States at 12.08%, Japan at 5.65%, Vietnam at 5.35%, and Malaysia at 3.92%.
Import Stability and Raw Block Sourcing
On the import side, China's total stone import volume remained virtually flat in 2025 at 11.048 million metric tons, compared to 11.044 million metric tons in 2024. Import value dipped slightly by 0.88% year-over-year to US$2.24 billion. India led as China's primary raw block supplier with a 19.63% share, followed closely by Türkiye at 17.97%, Brazil at 13.53%, and Italy at 12.94%. These figures reflect China's ongoing role as the world's primary processing hub for imported granite, marble, and quartzite blocks, which are gang-sawn, finished, and re-exported globally. Maintaining raw block imports from key global origins remains essential for Chinese stone hubs like Shuitou and Yunfu. By importing rough blocks of Indian granite, Turkish marble, and Brazilian quartzite, Chinese factories leverage scale, advanced gang-saw equipment, and specialized labor to produce finished slabs and cut-to-size tiles for re-export across East Asia and North America.
Strategic Shift Toward Value Chain Optimization
The China Stone Material Association emphasized that the 2025 trade data underscores the limits of volume-based expansion in an oversupplied global market. Chinese stone processors are actively reorienting operations toward value chain enhancement, high-precision CNC fabrication, and custom architectural solutions rather than competing strictly on unit cost. Industry experts note that Chinese exporters are shifting away from price-war tactics and focusing instead on technological upgrades, automated slab handling, and environmental compliance. This strategic pivot aims to secure long-term contracts with international architectural firms requiring high-precision cut-to-size cladding and custom interior millwork. For international B2B buyers and importers, lower average export unit prices present short-term purchasing opportunities, but long-term supplier reliability will depend on partnering with factories that invest in quality control and advanced surface treatments. Sourcing managers evaluating Chinese stone products can cross-reference material specifications against global standards to ensure long-term performance.
| Export Category | 2025 Export Volume (Mt) | 2025 Average Unit Price ($/ton) | 2024 Average Unit Price ($/ton) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processed Granite | 2.974 Mt | $496 / ton | $676 / ton |
| Processed Marble & Travertine | 1.058 Mt | $1,048 / ton | $1,206 / ton |
| Artificial Stone Tiles | 1.086 Mt | $778 / ton | $878 / ton |
| Total Trade Overview | 7.985 Mt (+2.2% YoY) | US$4.25 Billion Total Value | −15.5% YoY Total Revenue |
Frequently Asked Questions
What were China's total natural stone export results in 2025?
In 2025, China exported 7.985 million metric tons of stone (+2.2% YoY) valued at US$4.25 billion (−15.5% YoY), reflecting lower average unit prices across all major categories.
Which countries were the top buyers of Chinese stone exports in 2025?
South Korea was the largest export market with a 19.26% share, followed by the United States (12.08%), Japan (5.65%), Vietnam (5.35%), and Malaysia (3.92%).
Where does China import its raw natural stone blocks from?
China's top raw block import sources in 2025 were India (19.63%), Türkiye (17.97%), Brazil (13.53%), and Italy (12.94%).
Sources
SOURCES:
- StoneNews.eu — "Structural Shift: China's Natural Stone Market Navigates Intense Price Competition in 2025" — StoneNews.eu