Over the past few years, the U.S. stone market has defied overall economic trends, as it has continued to grow despite a recession, an unstable stock market and uncertain times on the international front. Citing increased consumer awareness, design trends and growth in housing construction, U.S. fabricators believe that business will increase in 2004 and beyond, according to an exclusive market study conducted by Stone World's market research department.

Of those who responded to the Stone World survey, which was sent primarily to stone fabricators, a solid 81.0% expected the stone market to increase in 2004. Virtually all of the other respondents (18.2%) felt that business would hold steady this year, and a very small portion (0.7%) predicted a decline.