Recently, fresh trade rules were applied to more than 180 countries, affecting the housing industry. Among the materials now subject to price hikes is natural marble stone, a signature choice for luxury kitchens and bathrooms. Homebuilding insiders warn that the duty hike on European Union marble will raise costs for homeowners. Smithers’ founder Nick Smith says, This is more than a price rise — it changes project planning for interior décor furniture remodelling projects and investment return." ### The current price of marble Right now, marble surfaces are priced around sixty dollars a foot, according to suppliers.

Italian Carrara, a soft white variety, is priced at about $60 to $100 per square foot. Calacatta marble, famous for bold lines, starts at $180 a foot — meaning a price jump could raise it beyond $216 a foot. With inflation, contractors warn that end prices might rise further. ### The bigger impact Much of marble in the U.S. is imported from China. Import duties now increase 20% for Italy and Spain, 27% for India, and 34% for Chinese marble. This can limit projects for new builds.

Smith notes, Bathrooms today use as much marble as kitchens, from wall cladding to flooring." ### Luxury alternatives that cost less If the new tariffs sting, there are plenty of luxury options: - **Quartzite** – Mined domestically, with looks similar to marble, costing $70–$120/sq ft. - **Soapstone** – Low-maintenance and stylish, sourced from Virginia, at $70–$120/sq ft. - **Quartz** – Non-porous, imitates natural