Australia’s Porphyry, Basalt & Quartzites Market Shows Mild Uptick in 2024
Photo courtesy of Marmi
Australia’s market for porphyry, basalt and quartzites posted slight growth in 2024, according to new data from IndexBox.
Production rose 0.8% to 2.9 million tonnes, continuing a recovery that began in 2023 following three years of decline. Despite the uptick, output remains below its 2019 peak of 3.2 million tonnes. The market value, measured in export prices, fell sharply to $1.1 billion, down from $2.3 billion in 2023.
Imports declined for the second consecutive year, dropping 50.3% to 1,700 tons. Import value also decreased significantly to $897,000, down from a peak of $2.5 million in 2022.
China remained the leading supplier, accounting for 47% of total imports at 792 tons. Italy followed with 191 tonnes, and India supplied 175 tonnes. In terms of value, China led with $290,000 in exports to Australia, followed by Italy at $201,000 and the United States at $150,000. Together, these three countries represented 72% of the total import value.
Monumental or building stones, excluding granite and sandstone, made up the majority of imports by volume at 1,100 tons, or 68% of the total. Quartzite imports totaled 538 tons. However, in value terms, quartzite led with $481,000 compared to $416,000 for monumental stone.
The average import price rose 23% to $537 per ton in 2024, continuing a long-term upward trend. Quartzite averaged $894 per ton, while monumental stone was priced at $368 per ton. Among supplying countries, the United States had the highest average price at $1,502 per ton, while France recorded the lowest at $135 per ton.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
