UK Veneer Stone Market
The United Kingdom (UK) has an expansive natural stone industry valued at over £850 million. Stakeholders in the UK market imported over 76,000 metric tons of precious stones like marble in 2021. Similar numbers are also observed throughout natural stone markets for slabs, crushed stones, and other items.
Current data projects the UK natural stone imports to rise. An indication is evident in the increase in overall import volume for specific stones by 52% in one business year.
The industry also boasts massive import numbers in processed stones across different quantities. Available data shows that the UK received over 27,000 metric tons of worked stones in 2021 and this figure continues to climb. Global business wish to access the UK’s lucrative market due to its potential.
In this post, we will see several insights about the UK natural stone industry, how to access the market, and much more. Take advantage of details in this article to understand how UK natural stone imports provide viable business opportunities for suppliers.
Insights About the UK Natural Stone Industry
Statistics of Import Market of UK from Different Countries
The UK imports natural stones worth over €460 million on average since 2005.
UK importers make up 15% of all natural stone imports among European countries. Only Germany (16%) and Italy (17%) are ahead of the UK in natural stone imports,
Finished stones make up a large fraction of UK’s imports in the sector. The UK currently imports 70% of finished stones into its market to meet demand.
India makes up one-fifth (20%) of the UK’s aggregate natural stone imports. Imports from India include unprocessed stones and finished slabs in varying quantities. Multiple companies in the UK source natural stones from regions across India.
Stone import distribution
Main slab and block supplier
India is the largest supplier of slabs and blocks to UK importers. The Indian sub-continent provides at least 30% of total natural stones imported by businesses into UK markets. Such a huge market share sees significant changes as demand increases; with some years seeing import percentages jump to 35%.
2. Stones for cladding and flooring
India supplies around 10% of the UK’s total cladding and flooring material, ranking 4th in the overall share list. Other countries who satisfy significant supply needs for UK’s cladding and flooring market are China, Turkey, and Spain.
3. Stones for landscaping
Several precious stones for landscaping are in the UK market. Currently, India and China supply at least 80% of natural stones required for landscape designs in the UK. Other countries in the market include Spain, Brazil, Norway, and Turkey.
4. Gravel imports
UK importers brought in crushed stones and gravel to the market in 2022. These stones had a combined worth of $67 million in that year alone. Major suppliers of crushed stones and gravel to the UK are Norway (50% market share), Ireland, Netherlands, France, and Italy. January 2024 saw the imports of £2.7 million worth of crushed stones and gravel into the UK.
Which Natural Stones is the UK Known For?
Common natural stones in the UK are serpentine-based marble, prehnite, and granite. The UK also has a rich deposit of natural stones like jasper and agate; however, these are not suitable for large-scale application on construction projects.
Aggregate Industries
Stones from this supplier are in demand across the UK for various needs. Some of the common products available from this natural stone distributor are natural granite stone, porphyry, and sandstone. The company currently employs 3000+ staff and services stations in over 200 locations across the UK.
Ced Stone
Stone supplies and landscaping products have been available from CED STONE since the mid-1850s. The company provides customers several finished natural stone products for kerbs, paving, steps, walling, and more. CED STONE operates from six (6) depots across the UK.
Past and Future Market Trends of UK Natural Stone Industry
Past market trends that showed steady increased in natural stone imports are expected to continue. The UK currently enjoys a balance of increases in construction projects alongside upward demand in home improvements.
Growing imports halted by the COVID-19 pandemic are showing a rebound years after. However, many companies now diversify their workforce and allow employees work from home.
Companies who prefer a 100% in-person workforce usually spend more on construction costs to sustain traffic across their building. Workers at home will also spend more on remodelling and renovations of their immediate environment. These necessities sustain demand for natural stones used in construction.
Is the UK Natural Stone Industry Contracting?
Current data suggests that specific items in UK natural stone industry experience decreases in annual import volume. However, this does not reflect the entire numbers in the natural stone market that is expected to rise steadily in year-by-year imports. Current drops in imports of crushed stones, gravel, and other items are largely due to supply shortages.
Natural stone suppliers from other markets can step in to fill the void left by shortages in imports from locations like Germany and Ireland.
What Drives the Demand for Imported Natural Stones in the UK?
Recovering hospitality industry
The effects of COVID-19 on business gradually recede seeing efforts made by governments and stakeholders to recover. Currently, the UK experiences steady growth in hospitality industries. Establishments like restaurants, cafés, hotels, and more are reopened and looking to expand. Many of these establishments require structures with inviting, decorative detailing.
Natural stone slabs are ideal for such projects and deliver an intense aesthetic unavailable from alternatives. Rising hospitality numbers naturally translate to more visitors across establishments which means more maintenance for stakeholders. Many stakeholders prefer materials that ensure easier maintenance, and natural stone slabs are a perfect fit.
Improved home remodelling and renovations
Many homes require remodelling and renovations for proper maintenance. Construction projects in such home usually need natural stone slabs for paving, countertops, walling, and more. The UK’s demand for natural stones continue to feed the import industry. Allowing natural stones from other countries supports the growing demand for high-quality slabs for different domestic projects.
Increased construction activity
The UK currently enjoys a massive boom in infrastructure and construction activities. Natural stones are an essential component in many construction projects due to qualities like easy maintenance and longevity.
Why is India an Ideal Source for Natural Stone Imports?
The Indian market continues to satisfy growing demand for natural stones across industries worldwide. Several reasons make India a suitable source of natural stone imports into the UK:
Superior quality
Indian natural stone slabs come with superior features unavailable in many other variants. For example, Black Granite slabs from India are in high demand across Europe and Asian markets based on their unmatched quality.
Improved customization
Indian natural stones are easier to customize and support builders with features to suit several projects. These stones possess a consistent texture and colour range compared to inferior options on the market.
Lower maintenance costs
Natural stone slabs from India support cheaper maintenance, making them ideal for different construction projects. The stones promote better aesthetic appeal while supporting longer traffic across potential uses.
How to Import Natural Stones from India to the UK
Follow these steps to get your natural stone slabs from quality distributors in India:
Define your order
You must outline various essential elements for your order like size, quality, quantity, and material.
Share order details with supplier
Send the order details to a reputable supplier for assessment. The distributor will inspect your list of requirements and sign off orders after consultations. Distributors will also recommend shipping options and estimated arrival times after you share your order.
Demand testing reports
Quality testing for stone slabs will ensure you buy the best products for your construction needs. Reputable natural stone distributors like Granite Block Supplier will provide a comprehensive test report of your order. You will be able to verify the durability, longevity potential and other elements of the natural stone order pre-receipt.
You can settle invoices from the supplier after verifying details of the natural stone(s) order.
Track the order
Order tracking is easier after finalizing every requirement to ship your order. You can monitor your purchase and see its location throughout transit.
How to Access the UK Market as a Natural Stone Exporter
The UK has separate rules for potential natural stone exporters. You need to understand and comply with market access requirements set by the UK’s government. Some of the major requirements exporters must adhere to include:
- Labelling,
- Export codes, and
- Management/handling systems for exports
Requirements set by the government aim to ensure consumer safety and health while addressing social and environmental concerns. You need to work out details with potential importers to secure natural stones for import to the UK. Consult distributors like Granite Block Supplier for ideal guidance to get high-quality natural stones for imports.
Secure High-Quality Natural Stone Imports to the UK Today!
Information in this guide will give you every detail about the UK’s natural stone import industry. You can take advantage of these details to get your premium natural stones like granite and marble from reputable companies.
Top distributors like Granite Block Supplier will ensure you get the best natural stone orders from India. Consult the company today, and get that high-quality natural stone import to the UK for your business growth and consistent profits.
Reference Links
https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/gravel-and-crushed-stone/reporter/gbr
https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-reports/natural-stone-slab-market
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