Portugal ranks 7th largest producer of natural stone

Portugal ranks seventh largest producer and extractor of natural stone in the world, with exports reaching 488 million euros in 2023.
The main export markets for Portugal’s natural stone are France, China and Spain, and the sector represents 0.6% of exports of Portuguese goods.

Portuguese stones were recently recognized as “Heritage Stones” in the publication "The First 55 IUGS Heritage Stones" that was just launched and that compiles the stones recognized by the IUGS with world heritage value. Portugal stands out with 5 recognized stones – Ançã limestone (Pedra de Ançã), Estremoz marble (Mármore de Estremoz), Lioz limestone (Calcário Lioz), Arrábida breccia (Brecha da Arrábida), and Porto granite.

The Portuguese stone industry creates around 14,000 jobs and exports are increasing each year. It is one of the sectors that adds the most value to the Portuguese economy, according to Miguel Goulão, the President of Assimagra, that is the Portuguese Association of the Mineral Resources Industry.

According to Assimagra, the Portuguese stone industry registered a turnover of 1.2 billion euros in 2023 with over 2,066 companies in the sector, out of which 1,652 companies are in the processing industry and 414 in the extraction industry.