1. Stone Fabricators Must Move Beyond Word-of-Mouth Marketing in 2025 (Stone World) Recent data shows 88% of homeowners research online before making renovation decisions, but stone fabricators still rely heavily on traditional referrals. With the home improvement industry projected to grow 4.6% in 2025, fabricators need systematic marketing strategies to capture this growth.
2. Construction Employment Shows Growth Despite Challenges (Floor Daily) Construction employment rose year-over-year in 33 states and DC through May 2025, with Texas leading at 28,600 jobs added. This positive trend supports optimism for the stone industry's workforce demands.
3. 50% Tariff on Brazilian Stone Threatens U.S. Construction Industry (Centrorochas) A 50% tariff on Brazilian stone imports threatens over 12,000 U.S. fabrication shops and 500 distributors. Brazil supplies 22.6% of all U.S. stone imports, and 60% of shipments have already been suspended since the July announcement. The Natural Stone Institute is requesting a 90-day delay on the August 1st implementation. Builders to request a 90-day delay on the August 1st implementation.
4. 2025 Countertop Trends: Stone Fluting and Translucent Materials (Landmark Surfaces) This year's design trends include stone fluting (carved grooves for texture), integrated sinks, and translucent stones like onyx with backlighting. Quartzite dominated for traditional looks while porcelain gained popularity for low-maintenance applications.
5. New Safety Regulations Target Engineered Stone Fabrication (OSHA) OSHA has launched a new enforcement initiative focused on engineered stone fabrication after a study found 52 male patients diagnosed with silicosis from engineered stone exposure, with 20 suffering advanced disease and 10 deaths.
6. Global Countertop Market Projected to Reach $156.2 Billion by 2035 (Future Market Insights) The US countertop market is valued at $86.4 billion in 2025 and forecast to grow at 6.1% CAGR through 2035. Engineered quartz is expected to account for 28.6% of market share, growing at 6.4% annually.
