The total transaction volume of stone imports and exports in China hit a new peak in 2011 by reaching USD 7.6 billion, with an increase of 18% over last year. The importing volume was 10.1% more, among which the blocks increased by 9.8% and slabs by 17.9%. Meanwhile, the exporting volume increased by 22.2% compared to 2010.  

    Due to challenging economic environment, the total volume of stone imports and exports in 2012 may grow a little slowly, but it will still reach beyond USD 8 billion. At the same time, the product structure will be improved; the export proportion of higher-end products and highly processed products will be emphasized.