Jason Kamery

U.S. exports of natural stone and building stone products fell to $12.8 million in March 2026, a 22.2 percent decline from the $16.4 million shipped in March 2025, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission. Canada remained the dominant buyer by a wide margin, taking in $8.5 million, or 66.6 percent of all stone exports for the month, though shipments to the country fell 23.2 percent year over year. The U.S. counted 49 active export destinations in March, with Mexico, Italy and the Bahamas rounding out the top buyers behind Canada.

U.S. countertop material imports totaled $275.5 million in March 2026, a 23.6% decline from March 2025.

The Stone Fabricators Alliance is in its 13th year of leading fabricators through Italy on its annual tour, and the work behind it never really stops, said Tim Zeng, an SFA executive board director and owner of Zeng Countertops & Surfaces in Lincoln, NE.

The Latin American Fabricators Network made its first appearance at Coverings 2026, using the show's Fabricator Stage to introduce a grassroots organization aimed at giving Latino stone fabricators a seat at the industry table.

The result was a narrowing of the U.S. stone trade imbalance, though it remained vast at 21 to 1, with the country importing $230.3 million in countertop materials against the $11.2 million it shipped out. Canada remained the dominant destination by a wide margin, receiving nearly $8 million in stone products, or roughly 71% of all U.S. exports.

U.S. countertop material imports collapsed in February 2026, with total customs value falling to $230.3 million — a 29.2% drop from February 2025 and a marked acceleration from January's 14.5% year-over-year decline.

U.S. stone exports totaled $9.9 million in January 2026, a 23% decline from $12.9 million in January 2025. Canada remained the dominant destination, receiving $6.5 million in stone products, or roughly two-thirds of all U.S. exports.

Joe Alva, CEO of Poseidon Industries, walks through the company's origins, the invention of its T-Rex CNC Fabrication Center and its patented Hybrid Cycle process. He also previews the Poseidon Experience 2026.

The well-known actor and humanitarian shared insight into the Gary Sinise R.I.S.E. program, as well as his son’s musical legacy, during his keynote speech at the international stone and tile exhibition.

Insight into pertinent issues affecting stone industry professionals dominated the panel discussion presented by members of the Natural Stone Institute executive committee during Coverings 2026.