ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emerged as the third-largest supplier of calcareous building stone to China in 2025, reflecting steady demand for its marble, onyx, and related stone products in the world’s largest construction market.
Data from the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) shows that Türkiye led the category with exports valued at $18.49 million, followed by Bulgaria at $16.75 million.
Pakistan exported 31.74 million kg of calcareous stone, valued at $8.10 million, securing third place among China’s suppliers under HS Code 25152000, which covers calcareous monumental or building stone, including alabaster and onyx.
Exports of cut marble and travertine blocks under HS Code 25151200 rose to $5.41 million in 2025 from $5.02 million in 2024, while shipments of crude or roughly trimmed marble and travertine (HS Code 25151100) also saw slight year-on-year growth.
Meanwhile, granite exports showed mixed performance, with crude granite falling sharply but cut granite shipments increasing, indicating a gradual shift toward value-added products.
Other stone-related categories experienced fluctuations. Precious metal ores (excluding silver) under HS Code 26169000 dropped to $2.39 million from $8.62 million, while unworked precious and semi-precious stones (HS Code 71031000) reached $2.57 million.
According to an exporter, demand for Pakistani marble and onyx typically rises ahead of the Chinese New Year.
“This year, all horse-themed items made from Pakistani marble and onyx were sold out,” he said, referring to the upcoming Year of the Horse beginning Feb 17.
He added that the origin of the products often increases their appeal. “People appreciate the quality, and there is goodwill toward Pakistan. Many customers actively support Pakistani products,” he said.
Overall, Pakistan’s stone exports to China in 2025 remained stable, with growth concentrated mainly in cut marble products rather than raw stone, reflecting an emerging trend toward value-added offerings in the market.
