China Stone Association: Industry Status and Future Development Direction

Zou Chuansheng, President of the China Stone Association, delivered a speech that covered several key aspects of the modern stone industry. He emphasized the evolution of the industry, from its early days to the present stage of development. According to Zou, the real modern stone industry in China began after economic cooperation with Italy during the reform era. Advanced equipment and management practices were introduced, and the use of synthetic diamonds allowed for more efficient processing of brittle materials, making it possible to cut stone like metal. This marked the beginning of cold processing techniques, from mining to final production, defining the concept of a modern stone industry.

Looking at the economic background, the expansion of urbanization across different regions of China has significantly boosted the stone market. The annual sales revenue of large-scale stone enterprises reached nearly 300 billion yuan, while many smaller companies—those with sales below 20 million yuan—also contribute significantly to the industry’s total economic output. These smaller businesses often choose not to scale up due to various reasons, but their combined value is estimated to be around 300 billion as well. In addition, the stone sector plays a major role in building decoration projects, with an estimated market size of 560 billion yuan, and international trade reaching 8 billion U.S. dollars annually. This highlights the industry's strong reliance on both domestic demand and export-driven growth.

Currently, the stone industry is at a critical turning point. The national development strategy has shifted from investment and export-led growth to one focused on domestic consumption. For the stone industry, this means a growing emphasis on consumer demand in areas such as home decoration, public infrastructure, and urban construction. With high levels of urbanization already achieved in eastern China, the central and western regions still have significant potential. Urbanization provides a solid foundation for the stone industry, and in turn, the industry supports urban development. For example, places like Shuitou have transformed from small towns into vibrant cities, largely thanks to the stone industry's contribution to local construction and tourism.

Another important challenge is transitioning from extensive development to a more sustainable model. Resource conservation and environmental protection are now essential. Traditional mining methods were once exploitative, but the industry is now moving toward more responsible practices. Growth rates have slowed over the years, but they remain higher than the overall GDP growth. This optimism comes from ongoing urbanization, changes in consumer behavior, and increasing demand for quality products. The industry must adapt to these new requirements and showcase its true potential, as seen in well-managed markets like the Donghua Global Stone Market.

Lastly, structural adjustments are necessary. While the engineering market remains important, the home improvement sector represents a larger and more promising opportunity. Home improvement stone and tooling stone should be given equal attention, as the future of the industry may lie in meeting the needs of individual consumers rather than just large-scale projects.