Exporting Construction and Materials: markets, headings and fairs
Construction and materials is a global sector worth over USD 1.4 trillion annually. The US, India, and Japan are the largest importers. Spanish exporters…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 28 September 2026
Construction and materials is a global sector worth over USD 1.4 trillion annually. The US, India, and Japan are the largest importers. Spanish exporters compete in ceramics, glass, stone, and mineral products. Tariffs vary by product and destination; EU trade agreements reduce barriers to key markets.
Tariff chapters in this sector
- Salt; sulphur; earths, stone; plastering materials, lime and cementChapter 25
- Ores, slag and ashChapter 26
- Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxesChapter 27
- Stone, plaster, cement, asbestos, mica or similar materials; articles thereofChapter 68
- Ceramic productsChapter 69
- Glass and glasswareChapter 70
Main importing markets
USD · 2024| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | 776,671,902,461 |
| United States | 252,738,277,803 |
| India | 228,819,226,006 |
| Japan | 179,405,177,055 |
| South Korea | 167,367,179,604 |
| Germany | 143,722,405,351 |
| Netherlands | 115,188,203,470 |
| France | 95,852,560,314 |
| United Kingdom | 86,350,069,546 |
| Singapore | 82,085,719,271 |
| Italy | 80,654,202,683 |
| Spain | 69,614,376,587 |
| Türkiye | 66,822,427,228 |
| Belgium | 64,220,374,447 |
| Malaysia | 47,642,933,139 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2024Verified on 28 September 2026
Trade fairs in this sector
- Mondial du Bâtiment (Batimat, Idéobain e Interclima)París
- BAUMúnich
- Big 5 GlobalDubái
- CevisamaValencia
- Construmat – Feria Internacional de la ConstrucciónBarcelona
- Marmomac, la Fiera del Marmo e della Pietra NaturaleVerona
What you need to know to export construction and materials
This sector includes six HS chapters: mineral raw materials (chapters 25–26), mineral fuels (chapter 27), processed stone and cement (chapter 68), ceramics (chapter 69), and glass (chapter 70). Each has different regulatory requirements, tariffs, and buyer profiles.
Logistics is cost-heavy: construction materials are bulky and low-margin per unit. Shipping to Asia takes 4–6 weeks; to the US, 2–3 weeks. Consolidation with freight forwarders or joining group shipments reduces per-unit costs.
Spain has competitive advantages in ceramics and ornamental stone. Competitors include Italy, Portugal, Turkey, Poland, and Vietnam. Study their pricing and delivery terms before bidding; your edge is likely speed to EU markets or quality certification, not cost.
Common questions
What are the main tariff chapters I need to know?
Chapter 25 covers salts, minerals, and raw materials; chapter 26, ores and slag; chapter 27, mineral fuels and oils; chapter 68, processed stone and cement products; chapter 69, ceramics; chapter 70, glass. Each has different tariff rates and rules of origin. Confirm the HS code for your specific product.
Do I need certification to export to the US or Asia?
Yes. US buyers require ASTM or ANSI standards for construction materials; many also ask for third-party testing. Asian markets (India, Japan, South Korea) have local standards; verify with your buyer or a standards body before shipping. EU CE marking does not automatically qualify you elsewhere.
Which markets should I target first?
The US is the largest importer, but competition and tariffs are high. India and Japan offer growing demand with fewer Spanish competitors. Within the EU, Germany, the Netherlands, and France are major hubs. Start with markets where you have existing logistics or trade agreements.
How do I find buyers in these markets?
Use B2B trade platforms, sector associations, and trade missions. Attend construction and building materials fairs in your target country. Contact distribution or agent networks; most buyers source through local importers, not direct from manufacturers. Join a Spanish export consortium if you are new to international sales.
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