Global Engineered Stone Market - 2024-2031

Global Engineered Stone Market - 2024-2031

Global Engineered Stone Market reached US$ 23.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 35.0 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

An increase in customizable options has become one of the key hallmarks of the engineered stone industry in recent years. With consumers becoming more discerning, producers have expanded their product range to include various sizes, shapes and design patterns. Some producers have also introduced factory customization, which allows people to get unique, one-of-a-kind stones made in the factory.

With many western government health agencies seriously contemplating banning the usage of engineered stones, the global market could receive a major jolt. Such a move will completely reorient demand dynamics in favor of emerging countries. The market will take many years to recover from the loss of sales in developed countries.

Dynamics

Rising Rates of Home Renovations

Home improvement rates have steadily increased over the past few years. Home improvements become more popular during the pandemic lockdowns as people channeled their energies to more creative tasks. The Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University’s data revealed that consumer spending on home renovations and improvements in U.S. topped US$ 472 billion in 2022 and further grew to US$ 485 billion in 2023.

Home renovations create opportunities for home owners to modernize their interiors. Given the volatility in global residential real estate market and decline in new home sales in some western markets, the majority of new stone countertop sales are occurring in existing homes during renovations. Rising rates of home renovations in developed markets, where the average house age is more than 10 years, will be a key factor in driving market growth over the forecast period.

Demands for New Home Improvement Materials in Emerging Markets

Even as western countries are contemplating ban on engineered stones due to health concerns; demand has steadily increased in emerging markets. As the disposable incomes of middle class increases, they demand more premium home décor options. Furthermore, many developing countries have lax health and safety regulations and hence remained unaffected by bans in western countries.

Large brands are projecting that majority of sales will be derived from exports to emerging markets. During an investors call in March 2024, Hyundai L&C, a South Korean manufacturer of engineered stones, announced plans to expand rapidly in China and India. The company also revealed that export sales accounted for 40% of their revenue and will rise over 50% by the end of the decade.

Growing Concerns About Health Hazards

Scientists first became concerned about the health hazards of engineered stones following repeated outbreaks of silicosis and other lung diseases among home fitting workers between 2015 and 2019. In July 2023, following a comprehensive study, Dr, Chandnee Ramkissoon, from University of Adelaide Institute of Public Health in Australia, presented an official recommendation to Safe Work Australia to completely ban the sale and production of engineered stones.

Dr. Ramkisson’s research found that apart from silicon, many other toxic substances such as styrene were generated by the grinding, cutting and polishing of these stones. In April 2024, members of the LA city council in U.S. commissioned a hearing about the banning engineered stones from the city’s construction work. Following increasingly serious evidence of health hazards, the engineered stone market is poised for a period of difficult growth in the future.

Segment Analysis

The global engineered stone market is segmented based on type, application and region.

Block and Slabs Continue to Remain Popular With Consumers

Blocks and slabs continue to remain the favorite choice of consumers, given the fact that they are mostly used for increasing the aesthetical value of kitchen countertops. With more people undertaking home renovations, companies have responded by expanding their range of customizable slab designs to provide better choice for consumers.

Engineered stone tiles have relatively fewer demand from consumers, since it is mainly used for bathroom, walls and floor decoration. The higher material and installation costs means that it is relegated to high-income consumers. Despite this, many stone manufacturers are actively introducing new design patterns and customizations.

Geographical Penetration

North America to Garner the Largest Market Share

Given the large concentration of high-income households in U.S., North America continues to be the largest market for engineered stone. For many of the world’s largest stone manufacturers, North America remains the top export destination. The growth in demand is coming not just from new home construction, but also renovation and upgradation of existing homes. Producers are focusing their attention towards the higher end of the market, by launching new luxury designs for countertops.

However, in the coming years, the North America market could witness a major downturn in sales, following backlash from the medical community about its health hazards. U.S. researchers have found that silicosis from exposure to engineered stone dust happens much faster and affects people quicker. The U.S. state of California’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board approved emergency regulations in December 2023 which prohibit the dry cutting of engineered stones. The measures were approved to stall rising cases of silicosis among industrial workers in the state.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic created many challenges for the global engineered stone market. The supply of quartz was jeopardized due to lockdowns restrictions. Even as some mines remained open, production stagnated due to labor shortages. Many producers had to rely on existing inventory to keep production going.

The difficult economic conditions brought forth by the pandemic led to the bankruptcy of many small and medium players in the market. The pandemic has led to the consolidation of the global market in favor of established players. One unintended side effect of this has been the reduction of price volatility in the market.

The initial months of the post-pandemic period witnessed an explosion of pent-up demand for engineered stones. Many people had taken up home renovation projects during the lockdown months and hence spend liberally on acquiring new decor. The post-pandemic period was highly beneficial for the global market.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The engineered stone market in Russia was completely disrupted in the months following the start of the war in Ukraine. As western countries imposed sanctions on Russia, the imports of engineered stones dried up. Many distributors raised prices on their existing stock due to the anticipated shortfall in supply.

Many local distributors were forced to import stones from China to fulfill domestic demand. However, many consumers found out that the Chinese stones lacked the quality and finish of western manufacturers. A few months into the war, the supply of western-made stones was restored through international grey markets.

By Type

● Tiles

● Blocks and Slabs

By Application

● Countertop

● Flooring

● Others

By Region

● North America
U.S.
Canada
Mexico

● Europe
Germany
UK
France
Italy
Spain
Rest of Europe

● South America
Brazil
Argentina
Rest of South America

● Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific

● Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

● In December 2023, researchers from University of Adelaide in Australia published an extensive, globally study, showing that even ‘silica free’ engineered stones posed health risks to humans.

● In December 2023, Australia became the first country to ban engineered stones, citing concerns over growing cases of silicosis and other lung diseases among home fitting installation workers. The ban would come into effect from 1st July, 2024.

● In March 2024, citing the example of Australia, doctors and health groups in New Zealand lobbied for a ban on the production and sale of engineered stones citing health risk to workers.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include LX Hausys, Technistone s.r.o, Cosentino Global, Belenco, Guidoni, Santa Margherita, Stone Italiana S. P. A, H & R Johnson, Caesarstone Ltd and Vicostone.

Why Purchase the Report?

● To visualize the global engineered stone market segmentation based on type, application and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.

● Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

● Excel data sheet with numerous data points of pouch tapes market-level with all segments.

● PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

● Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global engineered stone market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 41 figures and 184 Pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Home Improvement Companies
• Quartz Accessories Distributors
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals