The Italian natural stone field improved again thanks to exports closing 2012 at a total value of 1 billion 761 million euros, an increase of 9.7% over 2011. The result was essentially driven by finished and semi-finished products. Good performances were achieved in the USA (+28%), Canada (+25.9%), Saudi Arabia (+70%), North Africa (+11%) and China (+19.9%). Domestic consumption is still slow, with imports down by 5.3%. Verona, 30 April 2013 - Italian marble and granite continue to perform well around the world: 2012 saw exports close at +9.7% over the previous year, worth 1 billion 761 million euros. Exports of finished and semi-finished products came to 1 billion 405 million euros (+10.9%), while the remaining 356 million euros (+5%) came from unprocessed materials. Imports saw a slight drop in imports, for a total of 401 million euros (-5.3%). These, in brief, are the main figures for the Italian stone industry in 2012 drafted by the Marmomacc Observatory based on Istat data. The most important international event dedicated to natural stone, technologies and design is scheduled at Veronafiera from 25-28 September 2013 (www.marmomacc.com). Italian marble once again confirms its leadership abroad, especially as regards processed and semi-processed products. As regards Made in Italy finished products, the best rewards came from across the Atlantic and the Arabian peninsula, with two-figure percentage increases. In 2012, exports to the United States grew by 28%, worth almost 280 million euros and to Canada by 25.9% worth 52.6 million euros, while Saudi Arabia took materials worth close to 103.3 million euros (+70%). On a continental level, Europe is still the reference market, with orders worth 632.1 million euros, more or less stable at +0.4%. Germany is Italy’s main export outlet worth 156.9 million euros (+3%), followed by Switzerland (103.4 million euros, +8.2%), France (69.9 million euros, 10.9%), the United Kingdom (48.8 million euros, +2.3%) and Spain (12.9 million euros, +5.3%). Shipments to Australia fell by 5.1% to 19.4 million euros. The Mediterranean area, on the other hand, is ensuring interesting prospects: exports to the North African countries posted +11% for a total of 35.6 million euros: Morocco took the lion's share with 24.9 million euros (+0.7%); Egypt also performed well with 2.8 million euros (+59.3%). Turning to Eastern Europe, 2012 saw a slight downturn in Italian marble and granite exports, for a total value of 124.8 million euros (-2.4%). The Russian market went against this trend, with an increase of 8.5% to 46.6 million euros. Positive signs also came from Asia, with China expanding from 21.1 to 25.3 million euros (+19.9%). As regards imports of unprocessed materials, 2012 confirmed the drop in domestic demand in the wake of the economic and building industry crisis: Brazil is still the largest supplier to Italian companies, with 52.9 million euros (-6.7%), followed by India (37.1 million euros, -14.3%) and South Africa (22 million euros, -5.7%). The overall picture highlights the critical importance of cross-border development for the Italian stone industry which finds in Marmomacc is main international hub for sector trade: out of more than 1,450 exhibitors at the 47th edition of the event, 60% came from 57 different countries, as well as 52% of the 56,000 operators and buyers from 140 countries. Veronafiere is a vital tool at the service of companies in the Country-System and continues to pursue its project for establishing its events in consolidated and emerging markets all over the world: Marmomacc enjoys on the spot presence in the United States oversees (StoneExpo Marmomacc Americas), Brazil (Vitória Stone Fair and Cachoeiro Stone Fair), Saudi Arabia (Saudi Stone Tech), Egypt (MS & Middle East Africa) and Morocco (Médinit Expo).
