Sandstone market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

The Spanish sandstone market began the period with positive momentum, supported by the recognition of Villamayor sandstone as one of the eight World Heritage Stones in 2018, which enhanced its prestige and domestic demand. This positive trend was abruptly reversed in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic crisis severely disrupted extraction and processing activities, leading to a sharp contraction in both production and market volume.

Market recovery in the subsequent years remained subdued, constrained by the lingering effects of the pandemic and intensified competition from alternative ceramic and porcelain materials, which pressured domestic consumption. Additional logistical challenges affecting freight and supply chains further hampered market activity, keeping volumes below pre-pandemic levels through 2022 and much of 2023.

A strong market rebound occurred in 2024, with volume reaching 147.6 thousand tonnes. This recovery was primarily driven by the entry into force of EU Regulation 2024/1781, which imposes new ecological requirements on construction materials and mandates sustainable public procurement, significantly boosting demand for natural stone as a durable and recyclable material. Concurrently, exports of raw sandstone grew by 13.7%, reflecting sustained international interest in this segment.

Production sandstone in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Spain's sandstone production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 9 976 K $ US, down 6.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 23.7%, representing an annualized decline of 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 136.9 K t of sandstone, marking a significant decrease of 13.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 20.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.3%. The only increase during this timeframe occurred in 2019, when production rose by 0.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports sandstone from Spain

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. From 2017 to 2020, exports fluctuated with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 1.9 times. In 2020, sandstone shipments from Spain totaled 17 987 t, representing a sharp increase of 74.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when exports fell by 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, three principal markets—the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Italy—together accounted for 74.1% of Spain's total sandstone exports in volume terms.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's sandstone export value reached 3 801 K $ US, showing a substantial improvement of 48.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 34.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 2 563 K $ US, when exports declined by 23.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, the United Kingdom (46.9% of export value), France (20.0%), and Italy (7.0%) played leading roles in Spain's sandstone exports by value, jointly accounting for 73.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Spain in value, 2017-2020

Imports sandstone to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's sandstone import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 4 850 t, indicating a modest rise of 9.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.2%, with a CAGR of -1.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 054 t, when imports fell by 39.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with imports jumping by 44.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, India was the main supplier of sandstone to Spain, accounting for 77.6% of total imports in volume terms, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Spain's sandstone import value amounted to 1 002 K $ US, down 19.2% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.8%, with a CAGR of -1.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 821 K $ US, when imports declined by 21.2%. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 1 239 K $ US, representing a 51.0% increase.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, India clearly dominated Spain's sandstone imports by value, taking 89.2% of total flows, while other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Spain in value, 2017-2020