Shipments of marble blocks from Turkey to China dropped by half, according to the chairman of TÜMMER, the Turkish stone association. The 75,000 metric tons transported in February is down from 150,000 a year ago.
Turkey’s MARBLE IZMIR will move from early April to a tentative June opening, while Stone+tec in Germany went from late June to May/June 2021. Stonex Canada stopped its May opening and is seeking new dates. Show organizers cited concerns over Covid-19.
The Coverings tile and stone event is still on the schedule for April 20-23 in New Orleans. Show officials noted that strict health protocols are in effect for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to counter possible problems with Covid-19.
A mining company in Nambia discharged 30 workers at its three granite quarries. Company management cited a lack of demand worldwide due to Covid-19 concerns, although union officials claimed poor treatment of workers at the operations.
Marble-industry members in the Buner District in northern Pakistan noted that factories and shops are going out of business, due to rising electricity costs and lack of demand. Government efforts previously announced to help the area haven’t occurred, they added.
TheSize announced a new outpost for its Neolith sintered-surface product: Neolith Atlanta, allowing for faster distribution to the southeastern United States.
