30% reduction in the country's stone exports
Secretary General of the Iranian Stone Association: Due to the conditions of sanctions and construction, the domestic consumption of stone has naturally decreased. Both mining and processing units operate at about one-third capacity.
According to the International Iranian Stone Exhibition, Ahmad Sharifi stated about the amount of stone exports: In 1397, we exported about 1 million tons of unprocessed stone and about 600,000 tons of processed stone. This trend has decreased last year and this year, so that last year, a total reduction of 20% and this year, we will reduce by about 15 to 20%. In other words, this year, compared to 1397, we may have a more than 30% drop in exports.
He added: The main problems in this area are related to sanctions, export duties in the Ministry of Silence, money transfer in foreign countries. Also, in foreign countries, we do not have the possibility of warehousing and export programs and government support. All of these factors have led to a decline rather than an increase in the excellent potential of the stone industry.
Sharifi clarified about the amount of stone production in the country: In the domestic market, we have a production capacity of 200 million meters, which is now about one third and 70 million meters in the country. Of this 70 million meters, we export about 10 million meters and the rest is spent for domestic consumption. Due to the conditions of sanctions and construction, naturally, domestic consumption has also decreased. Both mining and processing units operate at about one-third capacity.
Regarding the sale of tombstones in installments, the secretary general of the Iranian Stone Association said: "Processed stones, including tombstones, have always been sold in installments, especially in some cities. This has been a long-standing issue and is generally customary."
He pointed out: "In relation to the mortality rate, there is a demand for tombstones in the country, although it has increased with the prevalence of the corona, but there are no statistics on the rate of increase."
* ILNA
