News
CLEVELAND – Global demand for countertops, which has been slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is forecast to rise 2.6% per year to 602 million m² by 2024, according to Global Countertops from the Freedonia Group. The study predicts reduced demand for higher-end countertop materials in the near-term as global economic output declines. However, recovery is expeced with long-term market advances and increased spending in developed countries. Learn more
GLENVIEW, Ill. – Silicosis can continue to worsen for engineered-stone workers for years even after being off the job, according to a new study. The research, appearing in CHEST®, the official publication of the American College of Chest Physicians, is based on testing of Spanish workers between 2009 and 2018. Even after stopping their work with engineered stone, all the workers showed significant annual loss of lung capacity. Learn more
WASHINGTON – A federal investigation concluded that quartz surfaces from India and Turkey undercut the market for U.S.-made products, but the U.S. Commerce Department recommended tariffs of less than 8% for the two countries. The proposed duties came as a result of a petion filed by U.S. manufacturer Cambria Company LLC on possible unfair-trade practices from manufacturers and exporters in the two countries. The U.S. International Trade Commission made the tariffs final in early summer. Learn more XIAMEN, China – Due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, there won’t be a physical China Xiamen International Stone Fair in 2020. Originally scheduled in March, the event was first rescheduled to early June, and then moved to late October. A 2021 schedule for the show will be announced later. The organizers are continuing to operate the Cloud Xiamen Stone Fair online. Learn more