Pakistan Emerges as China’s Third-Largest Stone Material Supplier
Pakistan has emerged as China’s third-largest supplier of construction stone materials in 2025, marking an important milestone in bilateral trade relations. According to data released by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Pakistan ranked third under specific stone export categories, particularly calcareous building stone, marble, and onyx.
The steady demand from China’s construction and interior decoration sectors, especially ahead of the Chinese Spring Festival, played a key role in supporting Pakistan’s marble and stone exports.
This development highlights the growing importance of Pakistan marble exports to China, and reflects positive trade momentum between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Construction Stone Exports to China in 2025
According to official GACC data:
- Pakistan exported 31.74 million kilograms of calcareous building stone to China.
- The total value of these exports reached $8.10 million.
- Pakistan ranked third under HS Code 25152000.
This places Pakistan behind:
- Türkiye – $18.49 million
- Bulgaria – $16.75 million
- Pakistan – $8.10 million
This ranking confirms Pakistan’s strong position in the Chinese stone market.
What Types of Stone Does Pakistan Export to China?
Pakistan mainly exports:
- Marble
- Onyx
- Travertine
- Calcareous building stone
- Alabaster
- Granite
These materials are widely used in:
- Construction projects
- Interior decoration
- Monuments
- Luxury architecture
Growth in Marble and Travertine Exports
Exports under HS Code 25151200 (marble and travertine cut into slabs or blocks) increased to $5.41 million in 2025, compared to $5.02 million in 2024.
This shows steady growth in value-added marble exports from Pakistan.
Similarly, exports under HS Code 25151100 (crude or roughly trimmed marble and travertine) also recorded slight growth.
This indicates consistent Chinese demand for Pakistani stone products.
Pakistan’s Performance in Precious Stones and Ores
In addition to marble and onyx, Pakistan also exports precious stones.
However:
- Exports under HS Code 26169000 (precious metal ores) declined sharply from $8.62 million in 2024 to $2.39 million in 2025.
- Exports under HS Code 71031000 (unworked precious and semi-precious stones) reached $2.57 million in 2025.
This shows mixed performance across mineral export categories.
Granite Export Trends
Granite exports showed mixed results:
- Crude granite shipments declined
- Cut granite exports increased
This trend suggests Pakistan is slowly moving toward value-added stone processing, rather than exporting raw materials.
Value addition increases export revenue and strengthens Pakistan’s trade position.
Why China Is a Major Market for Pakistani Marble
China’s construction and real estate sectors are massive. The demand for:
- Decorative stones
- Luxury building materials
- Interior finishing products
is consistently high.
Before major festivals like the Chinese Spring Festival, construction and decoration activities increase, boosting demand for marble and onyx.
Role of Chinese Spring Festival in Export Demand
According to exporters, demand rises ahead of the Chinese New Year.
Muhammad Abid, owner of Bilal Enterprises, said that before every Spring Festival:
- Special marble products are designed
- Onyx carvings with Chinese characters are produced
- Themed decorations are exported
In 2026, the Year of the Horse begins on February 17, and horse-themed marble products saw strong sales.
Quality of Pakistani Marble and Onyx
Pakistan is globally recognized for:
- High-quality marble
- Unique onyx patterns
- Competitive pricing
- Natural stone reserves
Customers in China appreciate:
- Durability
- Aesthetic appeal
- Natural colors
This quality advantage strengthens Pakistan-China stone trade relations.
Economic Impact of Stone Exports on Pakistan
Stone exports contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economy.
Benefits Include:
- Foreign exchange earnings
- Job creation
- Growth in mining sector
- Support for small businesses
- Boost to Balochistan and KP mining regions
Stone exports are especially important for mining communities.
CPEC and Trade Relations with China
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has strengthened trade links.
Improved infrastructure and trade agreements have:
- Reduced transportation costs
- Improved export efficiency
- Increased bilateral trade volume
This helps Pakistani exporters access Chinese markets more easily.
Challenges in Pakistan’s Stone Export Industry
Despite progress, challenges remain:
- Limited value-added processing
- Outdated mining technology
- Energy shortages
- Export logistics issues
- Environmental regulations
Addressing these challenges could further increase exports.
Need for Modern Stone Processing Units
Experts suggest that Pakistan should invest in:
- Advanced cutting technology
- Polishing machinery
- Automated production lines
- Export quality certification
Moving toward finished stone products can significantly increase export revenue.
Global Competition in Stone Exports
Pakistan competes with:
- Türkiye
- Bulgaria
- Italy
- India
To stay competitive, Pakistan must:
- Improve quality standards
- Enhance branding
- Promote “Made in Pakistan” stone products
Future Outlook for Pakistan Marble Exports 2026
Experts believe:
- Demand from China will remain stable
- Value-added exports will increase
- Bilateral trade may grow further
- New export agreements may emerge
The global construction industry is expanding, creating opportunities for Pakistan.
How Pakistan Can Become a Top Stone Exporter
To move beyond third place, Pakistan should:
- Promote stone industry at international exhibitions
- Provide subsidies to exporters
- Improve mining safety standards
- Expand trade diplomacy with China
- Encourage private investment
Strategic reforms can boost exports significantly.
Importance of Value Addition in Exports
Exporting finished products earns more than exporting raw materials.
For example:
- Cut and polished marble sells at higher prices
- Decorative carvings generate more profit
- Customized stone designs attract premium buyers
Value addition is key to increasing foreign exchange reserves.
Government Support for Stone Industry
Government policies can help by:
- Offering tax incentives
- Improving export documentation
- Simplifying customs procedures
- Supporting SMEs
Supportive policies will strengthen Pakistan’s stone export sector.
Conclusion
Pakistan becoming China’s third-largest supplier of construction stone material in 2025 is a major achievement. With exports worth $8.10 million in calcareous building stone and steady growth in marble and travertine exports, Pakistan has secured a strong position in the Chinese market.
Although challenges remain, especially in value addition and technology modernization, the future of Pakistan’s marble and onyx exports looks promising.
With proper investment, innovation, and strategic planning, Pakistan can further expand its share in China’s construction stone market and strengthen its role in global stone trade.
