Click the arrow to play
TRANSCRIPT
00:22
Hi, I’m K. Schipper with the latest in hard surfaces industry news from Radio Stone Update.
00:32
A word on many people’s lips these days is “uncertainty,” especially when it comes to the U.S. housing market. It’s the main reason the Tile Council of North America – the TCNA – is giving for a decline in ceramic tile use in 2024.
Following declines in 2022 and 2023, the 2024 figures showed ceramic tile consumption at 2.7 billion ft2, down 5.1 percent from the previous year. At the same time, U.S. tile manufacturers continue to be challenged by cheaper imports.
The total value of U.S. ceramic tile use of $3.79 billion last year is also a drop of 6.6 percent from 2023. Eric Astrachan, TCNA executive director, says the three-year decline closely tracks a decline of new housing starts in this country.
As with so many other construction products, the most-recent high point of ceramic tile consumption came in 2021, with 3.1 billion ft2 used.
Last year’s tile imports totaled 1.93 billion ft2, down 3.5 percent from 2023. India remained the top foreign supplier, at 394 million ft2. However, its shipments were down 2.7 percent from 2023. Of the top five importers by volume, only Italy posted an increase, growing 29 percent to 308 million ft2.
Italy also led all countries in shipment values, although its $707 million last year reflects a 2.1 percent drop from 2023. Total ceramic tile import values declined by 5.6 percent to $2.4 billion dollars.
The TCNA report notes large disparities in per-square-foot import values. While Italian imports averaged $2.29 per square foot, India’s shipments were valued at only 62 cents per square foot.
Shipments from India were down last year after nine U.S. tile producers petitioned the U.S. International Trade Commission – the USITC – seeking additional tariffs to offset alleged anti-dumping actions and government subsidies for Indian-produced tile.
An investigation by the federal Department of Commerce found no below-market dumping and proposed an anti-subsidy tariff of less than 3.5 percent. The USITC will make a decision on the anti-subsidy tariffs next week.
04:15
The Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) collaborated on a new medical surveillance guidance document. It’s designed to assist both employees and employers in understanding and implementing health monitoring processes related to silica exposure.
Recognizing the need for continued research and industry support, the NSI board of directors authorized a collaboration with the Yale University School of Medicine to further study silica safety best practices.
The industry association is also developing additional resources to enhance workplace safety, including a comprehensive document on air respirator selection and use. One of the versions will address California’s permanent guidelines.
Two other studies will evaluate the effectiveness of silica safety best practices through employee air sampling and medical surveillance data. ISFA agreed to collaborate in the development of these resources, sharing its commitment to improving industry safety and education.
This essential resource is available in both English and Spanish. For more information, go to www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/silica
05:33
Water Treatment Solutions announces that Troy Roseboom is the Hampton, N.H.-based company’s new vice president of sales.
Paula Perry, president of WTS, says Roseboom and her company have collaborated on system sales in both the stone and glass industries for more than 20 years.
“Having him join our team full-time is a tremendous advantage for WTS, our family of customers and future members of our customer family,” Perry said.
Roseboom’s extensive knowledge of industry equipment, operating parameters and the workflow of fabrication facilities is expected to provide WTS customers and potential customers with valuable insights, and he said he looks forward to updating people in both industries on what WTS has to offer.
06:25
Alpha Professional Tools® announces the addition of Jerry Ramirez as national sales manager for the Stone/Tile Division.
Ramirez joins Alpha with more than two decades of experience in the stone and tile industry. He has a reputation for creating strong relationships, delivering customer-driven solutions and leading successful teams. His career has included various leadership roles in sales in both the residential and commercial sectors.
In his new position, Ramirez will focus on territory development, customer relationship management and strategic growth within the stone and tile markets.
07:04
Quartz surface manufacturer Vadara announces a distribution partnership with CRS Marble & Granite.
Vadara manufactures its quartz surfaces in Thailand and has design and sales centers in New York and New England. CRS, founded in 2005, has showrooms in Raleigh, N.C., North Charleston, S.C. and Virginia Beach, Va.
“Partnering with Vadara reflects our ongoing promise to bring our customers the best in quality and design,” said Sunny Surana, owner of CRS Marble & Granite.
Ed Rogers, executive vice president of US Surfaces, the parent company of Vadara, agrees that the collaboration brings together two companies united by a passion for design, craftmanship and creating meaningful experiences for its customers.
Says Rogers, “CRS Marble & Granite’s 20-year milestone is a testament to the values we admire most – integrity, passion and a sincere commitment to every client. We’re thrilled to stand alongside them as they grow, inspire, and elevate design across their communities.”
08:16
As the lights were being turned off on the 25th China Xiamen International Stone Fair, the Guest Country of Honor – Brazil – went home more than satisfied with its presence at the world’s largest such gathering.
The country, and its presence through It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone program, walked away with almost $33 million (US) in new business deals in the Asian market. That’s more than double its expectation of deals for the coming 12 months.
It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone is a joint effort developed by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). At Xiamen, the program brought together 20 companies – three more than the previous year – from three of the country’s stone-producing states.
Following the 2024 Xiamen show, Brazil registered sales of $14 million (US). During the four days of this year’s show $7.7 million was raised in immediate business deals, with $25.2 million to follow.
The country’s presence also strengthened the commercial partnership between Brazil and China. China is the second main destination for exports of Brazilian natural stone following the United States, which receives more than 50 percent of Brazil’s stone exports.
For the president of Centrorochas, Tales Machado, the invitation for Brazil to make its debut as the country of honor was a recognition of the solid relationship between the two countries, as well as an opportunity to increase the visibility of the sector in new strategic markets.
The 2025 edition of the Xiamen Stone Fair broke its historic record with more than 2 million square feet of exhibition space in 24 pavilions. More than 2,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions drew more than 153,000 attendees from 122 countries and regions for the mid-March event.
In other news around the industry….
10:11
Park Industries® announces its next Fabricator Exchange™ or FabX will take place June 19 in Salt Lake City.
The Utah event will feature shop tours, live machine demonstrations, interactive education, and roundtable discussions. Highlights include shop tours at Bedrock Quartz and A-One Solid Surfacing. Bedrock Quartz is one of Utah’s largest fabricators while A-One recently transitioned into fully digital fabrication.
Park and Cosentino will co-host an open house the day before FabX at Cosentino’s SLC Cosentino City Center from 3-6 p.m., featuring education, tours and refreshments.
Molly Hauer, director of marketing at Park Industries, says the company is excited to bring this experience to Salt Lake City. There is no charge to attend FabX, but space is limited. For event details and to register, go to www.parkindustries.com/fabx.
11:15
The Flooring Sustainability Summit announces a new initiative celebrating innovation and leadership in sustainable design.
The Project Design Award program is open to architects, designers, planners and construction professionals. Eligible projects must have been completed in the United States within the past three years.
Most importantly is that the entry demonstrates how flooring played a central role in the project’s sustainability strategy. There is no entry fee to participate. Entries must be received by Monday, May 19.
Winners will be recognized at the 2025 Flooring Sustainability Summit, which will be held July 16-17 in Washington. Among the summit’s sponsors are the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and the Tile Council of North America (TCNA). To learn more and to submit a project, go to www.flooringsummit.com/sustainability-awards.
12:12
And, International Product Assurance (IPA) Laboratories has received official designation as a third-party certifier for Green Squared®, the tile industry’s leading sustainability standard.
Based on the ANSI A138.1 standard, Green Squared evaluates products through multi environmental and social criteria, including product characteristics, raw materials and manufacturing, end-of-life management, corporate governance and innovation.
Green Squared certification helps position products for success in the eco-conscious marketplace. Certification also ensures compliance with green building criteria such as LEED, the National Association of Home Builders National Green Building Standard, and the International Green Construction Code.
Katelyn Simpson, director of laboratory services at IPA Laboratories, invites manufacturers of tile and tile installation materials to explore the six-step certification process outlined on its website at www.ipalaboratories.com.
13:20
Remember, you can keep abreast of monthly imports of hard surfaces into the United States at www.hardsurfacesreport.com. For a transcript of this broadcast, go to www.radiostoneupdate.com. I’m K. Schipper for Radio Stone Update, and we’ll see you here again soon.
