Stone & Tile Events

Global Stone Industry Connects at the Xiamen Stone Fair

The annual China Xiamen International Stone Fair celebrated its 26th edition this year at the Xiamen International Conference and Exhibition Center in Xiamen, China, from March 16 to 19, 2026. Encompassing more than 2 million square feet of exhibition space, 24 halls and eight areas, the exhibition housed 2,000 exhibiting companies – all set to show the global audience its newest product introductions.

The four-day show provided an arena for stone industry professionals to unite from around the world and included many show highlights. The Natural Stone Varieties Collection provided a professional platform for selecting stone materials and showcasing trends. Comprising two sections – Annual Selected Varieties and Designer's Choice – showgoers were able to connect with more than 2,000 suppliers, including quarry owners and exclusive agents, while gaining insight into the market trends and through a comprehensive overview of global new releases and featured products each year. This initiative attracted international traders, buyers, architects and designers to select materials and explore opportunities.

Xiamen Habitat Design and Life Festival (XHDLF) is co-organized by Xiamen Stone Fair and International Habitat Interior Design Association (IHIDA), with the objective to explore the ideal living space, facilitate industrial development by design and improve the aesthetics of urban life, thereby building a better habitation era. The 2026 edition focused on “The Sensory Theater of Stone.” It presented a perceptual revolution across dimensions. Through design, it released the sensory value of stone, infusing living spaces with various ways of perception and emotional warmth. Stone becomes the main character of space, where its intrinsic physical properties are no longer merely static material attributes but transform into active storytellers capable of evoking emotional resonance with viewers.

Visitors to the China Xiamen International Stone Fair also had the opportunity to tour the 8th Stone Infinite Product Design Show. This year’s theme was “Harmony of Stones,” which was a poetic expression of stone in space.

The exhibition also offered a full lineup of educational seminars and forums. Jim Hieb, CAE, Natural Stone Institute CEO, presented the “State of the Natural Stone Industry” – covering a range of important topics impacting the industry including tariffs, silica and opportunities to increase the use of natural stone by design professionals. Attendees walked away knowing more about:

Impact of tariffs in the U.S.
Efforts to reduce silicosis cases in fabrication facilities, as well as the threat silica lawsuits are having on the sellers of stone slabs.
Resources available to educate the design community about natural stone.
Other key initiatives being led by the Natural Stone Institute.

Emerson Schwartzkopf, editor and publisher of Stone Update Magazine and Hard Surface Report, also was on the roster of speakers. He gave a presentation on the U.S. Stone Market.

Watch an overview of show highlights above.