TURKISH MARBLE COVERING THE WORLD

Turkey is one of the oldest marble producer with 4000 years of production background starting in Marmara Island. Turkey with more than 600 colour and patterns, 300 kinds of marble, 200 kinds of travertine, limestone and granite, has one third reserve of the world. Our marble and natural stone sector is among the top five countries considering the value and amount of production. And today, Turkish marble and natural stone are exported to more than 179 countries valuing 1, 4 billion USD.

Having 40 percent reserves of the world, Turkey’s total marble reserve is estimated to be 5, 2 billion m³ (13,9 billion tons). Marble production has increased rapidly especially since 1980s. Turkey has the potential of meeting world need of the world for 80 years with the current reserve of approximately 1.6 billion tons. Turkey will be the second processed marble exporter country after Italy with the help of its geopolitical importance, being close to prominent markets, and keeping %40 reserves of the world.

What is Turkish Marble’s abroad production rate?

Natural stone sector and market are so alive for two years based on block and processed marbles being exported especially to China. The most significant share (%72) of natural stone export belongs to processed marble products; and it is followed by block marble and granite.

Where Turkish Marble is mostly produced and sent? A part of the Alpine mountain range, Turkey is a Mediterranean country keeping 5, 2 billion m³ - 13,9 billion tons estimated reserve. Major reserves are spread widely o Anatolia and Thrace. Reserves and ateliers are mostly concentrated in Afyon, Balıkesir, Denizli, Tokat, Bilecik, Muğla, Eskişehir, and Çanakkale. Diyarbakır has joined to these cities with investments recently. Some of the internationally known varieties of Turkish Marbles are Supren, Elazığ Cherry, Akşehir Black, Art Cecilliapebble Beige, Manyas white, Bilecik Beige, Leopard Salome, Denizli Travertine, Art Secret Beige, Aegean Bordeaux, Milas Lilac, Gemlik Diabas, and Afyon Sugar (golden). Highest value of exports with 352 million USD in 2009 was made to China. China is followed by the USA with 200 million USD; England with 50 million USD, and Saudi Arabia with 43 million USD. Also during this period Libya increased its purchase %172; Azerbaijan %35; Kuwait %85; and Venezuela %25. Although the data shows that the export rate to these countries are less than China, the USA, and European Union, it is obvious that our market share of these countries has increased. On the other hand, United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be Turkey’s potential customer for natural stone exports.

Natural stone sector has recorded important developments in the last ten years resulting in being the world’s one of important natural stone producer with rich reserves and developing marble processing industry. Especially in the recent period, remarkable investments, modern marble island production methods and techniques resulted in significant increase on processed marble production. The export potential of the sector is expanding parallel to the investments. Natural stone export in 1999 has increased %5,5 meaning 158 million USD.