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U.S. Imports For Consumption Of Dimension Stone, By Type

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This table presents detailed data on the quantities and values of various types of dimension stone imported into the United States for consumption. Dimension stone, including marble, alabaster, slate, and travertine, plays a critical role in construction, architectural design, and decorative applications. Tracking these imports provides insight into supply chain dynamics, market demand, and the economic impact of the dimension stone industry. This information is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and analysts to understand trade patterns, assess domestic resource needs, and support strategic planning for infrastructure and building material sectors.

Analysis of the data reveals several notable trends between 2021 and 2022. Overall, the quantity of marble and alabaster imports decreased from 72,200 metric tons to 62,700 metric tons, while the value declined from $50.3 million to $56.5 million, indicating a possible increase in unit prices or a shift toward higher-value products. Slate used for roofing saw a significant rise in both quantity and value, increasing from 1.02 billion to 1.17 billion square feet and from $11.4 million to $16.8 million, respectively, with Spain dominating as the major supplier at 59% of the value. Conversely, roughly trimmed slate imports declined in quantity and value, with India supplying the majority at 58%. Imports of worked slate and related articles increased substantially in quantity from 89.9 million to 73.4 million square feet and maintained strong value contributions from China (34%) and Brazil (25%). Travertine imports, both monumental and worked, showed robust growth in quantity and value, with Turkey and Mexico as leading sources, reflecting rising demand for these stones in construction and decorative applications. These shifts highlight evolving preferences and sourcing strategies within the U.S. dimension stone market.

TABLE 17
U.S. IMPORTS FOR CONSUMPTION OF DIMENSION STONE, BY TYPE1
20212022
Value Value Major sources
TypeQuantity (thousands) Quantity (thousands) in 2022, by value
Marble and alabaster2metric tons72200r50300r6270056500Italy, 23%; Turkey, 19%; China, 15%; India, 15%.
Slate, roofing million square feet102000011400117000016800Spain, 59%; Canada, 29%; Brazil, 4%.
Slate, roughly trimmed or simply cut3do.5100265042802530India, 58%; China, 19%; Brazil, 17%.
Slate, worked and articles of slate, and other4do.89900r45300r7340041600China, 34%; Brazil, 25%; India, 20%; Canada, 7%.
Travertine, monumental or building stone and articles thereof5do.19300r9950r2250012400Turkey, 42%; Italy, 21%; China, 13%; Mexico, 8%.
Travertine, worked monumental or building stone6do.14900102001510011500Mexico, 45%; Turkey, 27%; Italy, 12%; China, 6%.

rRevised. do. Ditto.

1Table includes data available through August 23, 2023. Data are rounded to no more than three significant digits.

2Simply cut with a flat surface.

3Rectangular blocks or slabs.

4Other than roofing, including agglomerated slate.

5Simply cut with a flat surface, other than tiles and granules.

6Dressed or polished but not further worked.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau.


Source: United States Geological Survey Mineral Resources Program

See also: Dimension Stone statistics | Mineral commodity prices


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