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TRANSCRIPT
00:00 Brought to You by Quantra Quartz
00:19 Intro
00:32 Safeguard Action: Two Roads to Future?
04:05 A Word from Quantra Quartz
05:17 Caesarstone Revenue Down 10% in 2025
07:31 Marmomac Brazil Draws 15,000
08:34 Cosentino Partners with KBHomes
09:49 Chemical Concepts Acquires Perigee Direct
11:25 NSI Grants Lifetime Memberships
12:42 Marquez New ISFA Brand Chief
14:22 Outro
14:49 Brought to You by Quantra Quartz
00:19
K. SCHIPPER: Hi, I’m K. Schipper with the latest in hard surfaces industry news from Radio Stone Update. Once again, there are some serious issues facing the industry, and Emerson Schwartzkopf, editor and publisher of Stone Update and Hard-Surface Report, joins me in the broadcast booth.
00:32
Today, the topic is a public hearing held in front of the U.S. International Trade Commission on what’s called a Safeguard action filed by U.S. quartz surface manufacturers that could set tariffs and quotas on those products being imported from other countries.
Emerson….
EMERSON SCHWARTZKOPF: The quartz-surface industry in the United States appears to have two distinct futures – or, at least, that’s how it sounded late last month at a federal hearing in Washington.
One side – most quartz-surface manufacturers based in the United States – told the U.S. International Trade Commission, or USITC, that the “Safeguard” request on limiting imports would save manufacturing jobs and “level the playing field” for that part of the hard-surfaces market.
The other side – including one U.S. surface maker, importers, foreign governments and a group of U.S. surface fabricators – said the Safeguard proposals of a new tariff and quota system would drive up quartz-surface prices and cool down the overall market.
The marathon 10-hour session before the USITC on February 24 left the impression that, come this summer, the U.S. quartz-surface market may look very different.
A pre-hearing study by USITC staff showed that since 2020, U.S.-made quartz-surface market share declined from 19.4% to a recent 11.7%. Import volume increased by 62%, while domestic production fell by 17%. And the average base cost of an imported quartz-surface is often near double that of a U.S.-made product.
The group advancing the safeguard action – the Quartz Manufacturers Alliance of America — offered varying accounts of factory slowdowns to show that imports created “harm,” which is the main criteria for a Safeguard action. The various stories included shuttering entire production lines and cutting days of operations.
The remedy to revive U.S. manufacturing, as proposed by the group, includes a 50% tariff on all quartz-surface imports, plus a country-by-country quota system.
Opponents told the USITC that such an action would make quartz-surface costs prohibitive for new residential construction and remodeling. Representatives from a homebuilder’s association and a major supplier to builders said a sharp increase would force the market to see lower-cost options like solid-surface and natural stone.
One U.S.-based quartz-surface maker also challenged the QMAA for its petition, and noted his company found success in limiting product offerings to meet market trends.
The USITC will determine if it agrees with the Safeguard action by next month. If it does, there’ll be another hearing on what can remedy the situation. That recommendation will be forwarded to President Donald Trump by May, although he’s permitted by law to create his own solution involving tariffs, quotas and trade agreements.
Any Safeguard solution is valid for up to four years, with the ability for a four-year extension.
K. SCHIPPER: Thank you, Emerson.
05:17
Caesarstone Ltd. ended 2025 with a loss, but the company is poised to start making gains as it expects outsourced quartz-surface production to deliver huge savings going forward this year.
The company reports $397.2 million in worldwide revenue in 2025, down 10.4% from its 2024 total. However, fourth-quarter indications show better news in some markets, including a surprising one.
The surprise came from a 9.8% increase from Australia. That market banned crystalline-silica surfaces in mid-2024. Caesarstone’s sales increase there came from alternative surfaces, including porcelain.
Worldwide revenues of $94.4 million in last year’s fourth quarter helped flatten the loss curve, representing only a 3.5% decline from fourth-quarter 2024.
U.S. revenues of $41.4 million in 4Q 2025 showed a year-over-year loss of 10.6%. That’s still better than the 14.9% drop in annual revenue with 2025’s year-end total of $186.8 million. That’s also better than Canada’s 4Q 2025 revenue of $10.9 million, which showed a 22.3% decline from the same time in 2024.
Outside North America, all its other sectors showed gains from 4Q 2024, including nearly 32% in Israel.
Caesarstone CEO Yos Shiran says the company is moving ahead with its multi-year strategic plan, including the closing of all company-owned quartz-surface production plants, spinning off production to third-party companies.
“This transformation represents a significant structural improvement that strengthens our competitive position and provides a foundation for long-term value creation,” Shiran says.
The December 2025 closure of its last factory in Israel, along with other measures, is expected to show more than $25 million in annual savings, according to Nahum Trost, Caesarstone CFO. The company should realize $100 million in savings starting from 2023, he adds.
07:31
The second edition of Marmomac Brazil, held the last week in February, drew nearly 15,000 visitors over three days to two pavilions at the Anhembi District in Sao Paulo.
The only edition of the Marmomac fair held outside Italy also drew 180 exhibitors from 70 countries representing the entire value chain: quarries, stone processors, technologies and input, architecture and design firms, as well as national and international buyers.
Attendees came from several international markets including the United States, China, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Spain, Russia, and Poland.
The strong numbers are one of the indicators the show is on the right path, and also offers a challenge to produce a bigger and better event in 2027, according to Flavia Milaneze, CEO of Milanez & Milaneze, the show’s organizers.
The 2027 Marmomac Brazil show is scheduled for next March 2-4.
08:34
Coral Gables, Fla.-based Cosentino announced a new partnership with Los Angeles-based KB Home as the exclusive provider for countertops in all of KB Home’s 49 markets nationwide.
The two brands have been preferred partners since 2015 and have now entered into a three-year exclusive agreement that gives KB Home buyers access to an expansive selection of Silestone surfaces.
As part of the agreement, Cosentino will offer more than 20 finish options of Silestone, developed with Hybriq® technology, a blend of premium minerals and recycled materials.
Alex Rioja, vice president of builder sales at Cosentino North America, said the company is privileged to collaborate with KB homebuyers.
“KB Home is a valued partner that shares our dedication to quality, sustainability and enabling homebuyers the flexibility to personalize their spaces,” Rioja said.
Gena Kirk, vice president, corporate studio at KB Home, stated that her company is deeply committed to ensuring every homebuyer can achieve the dream of a high-quality home.
“This strategic partnership with Cosentino is a true reflection of that commitment,” she said.
09:49
Huntington Valley, Pa.-based Chemical Concepts acquired Perigee Direct, a Texas-based supplier of specialty consumables for science and industrial consumers, expanding its product portfolio, e-commerce capabilities and distribution footprint in the process.
Chemical Concepts is a leader in adhesives and sealants. The acquisition will expand its product categories to plastic welding equipment, industrial lubricants and filling systems. Perigee has a track record in precision adhesives, resins, lab consumables and specialty chemicals.
A key benefit of the deal is Perigee Direct’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Its Texas operation will operate as a strategic distribution hub, reducing delivery times for customers in the western and southern United States.
Andrew Morris, CEO of Chemical Concepts, says Perigee Direct is focused on delivering an excellent user experience with deep expertise in specialty applications. “They possess exactly the capabilities and market presence we are seeking,” Morris says.
Matt Jackson, CEO of Perigee Direct, agrees that Chemical Concepts’ mission aligns perfectly with his company’s. “They offer exactly the scale and resource diversity that Perigee Direct needs to take our mission of transforming the industry supply customer experience to the next level,” Jackson says.
Both customer bases will keep their existing service relationships while gaining the benefits of a stronger combined operation.
11:25
The Natural Stone Institute formally activated the Honorary Life Member designation late last month to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service and leadership to both the organization and the natural stone industry.
The category has long existed within the bylaws but has never previously been utilized. As defined in the bylaws, Honorary Life Members are individuals who have served as a director or given outstanding service to the NSI.
Such designation is specifically granted by the board of directors, who determined the designation is now timely and meaningful as NSI continues to acknowledge the lasting contributions of those who have shaped and strengthened the industry.
The inaugural class of honorary life members includes:
*Scott Buechel, Buechel Stone Corp.
*David Castellucci, Kenneth Castellucci & Associates
*Brenda Edwards, TexaStone Quarries
*Patsy Fell-Barker, B.G. Hoadley Quarries
*Monica Gawet, Tennessee Marble
*Guido Gliori, Grazzini Brothers & Co.
*Jeff Matthews, Trade International
*Chuck Monson, Dakota Granite
*G.K. Naquin, Stone Interiors
*Dan Rea, Coldspring
*Jack Seiders, Architectural Surfaces
* Robert (Bob) Stasswender, Southwest Marble & Granite Works
*Paul Vigna, Artisan Tile & Marble Co. of New Jersey, Inc.
*Jonathan Zanger, Walker Zanger
The board has also requested that the Past Presidents Advisory Council annually review and recommend additional members for consideration.
Members are invited to make suggestions for further consideration at executive@naturalstoneinstitute.org.
12:42
The International Surface Fabricators Association – ISFA – appointed Lorenzo Marquez as Chief of Brand.
In his new role, Marquez will oversee the association’s marketing strategy, brand direction and growth initiatives, with a focus on strengthening the overall value ISFA delivers to its members. He will also develop programs that support the entire countertop and surface fabrication supply chain, including fabricators, suppliers, manufacturers and industry partners.
Marquez brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the countertop and surface and building materials sector. He previously served as vice president of marketing for Cosentino North America and is a two-time chairman of the board of the National Kitchen and Bath Association – NKBA.
He also contributed significantly to the development and expansion of the Rockheads Group, strengthening its presence within the fabrication community.
As founder of the Marget Group, Marquez leads a strategic advisory firm that works with dozens of fabricators nationwide to sharpen their market positioning and drive sustainable business growth within the surface industry.
He will continue to lead the Marget Group while serving ISFA.
“My focus will be on strengthening member value, expanding engagement and supporting programs that contribute to the long-term growth of the surface fabrication community,” Marquez says.
ISFA CEO Laurie Weber says, “Lorenzo brings executive marketing experience, governance, insight and deep industry knowledge that will support our growth and strengthen the value we provide across the supply chain.”
14:22
Remember, the latest issue of Hard-Surface Report, with a wrap-up of 2025 imports, is now available at www.hardsurfacereport.com. For a text of today’s broadcast, go to www.radiostoneupdate.com. I’m K. Schipper for Radio Stone Update, and we’ll see you here again soon.
