How Exchange Rates Affect Natural Stone Pricing

When sourcing Turkish marble, travertine, limestone, onyx or granite, buyers often notice that pricing fluctuates throughout the year. One of the most significant factors behind these changes is the currency exchange rate. Because Turkey exports large volumes of natural stone globally, shifts in the Turkish Lira, US Dollar and Euro directly influence final landed prices.

This article explains how currency dynamics impact project budgets and how working with an experienced Turkish stone supplier can ensure more predictable pricing.

1. Why Exchange Rates Matter in Natural Stone Procurement

Most international purchases of natural stone—including marble, travertine and limestone—are quoted in USD or EUR. However, quarrying, factory processing and labor costs inside Turkey are calculated in Turkish Lira (TRY). When the Lira weakens, exporters can often offer more competitive prices in foreign currencies.

• A strong USD or EUR → lower USD/EUR price for stone
• A strong TRY → potentially higher stone prices
• Sudden fluctuations → temporary instability in quotations

For project planning, understanding this relationship helps you choose the right purchasing window.

2. Impact on Different Stone Categories

The effect of exchange rates varies depending on the stone type:

• White marbles (Afyon White, Mugla White): sensitive to global demand trends
• Beige marbles (Bilecik, Burdur, Antalya): more stable due to consistent production
• Grey marbles (Tundra Grey, Savana Grey): premium segments influenced by block supply
• Travertines (Classic, Noce, Silver): highly competitive pricing under favorable FX conditions
• Limestones: steady pricing with small FX-linked adjustments

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3. How Exporters Adjust Prices

Turkish suppliers generally review foreign-currency price lists based on:

• TRY/USD and TRY/EUR movements
• Fuel and energy adjustments
• Labor cost updates
• Block availability at quarries

When currency volatility is high, quotations may be valid for shorter periods—commonly 7 to 30 days.

4. Tips for Buyers Planning Stone Budgets

Lock quotations during stable periods

When exchange rates are steady, long-validity price offers provide financial predictability.

Request updated quotes before confirming

This is especially important for large packages of slabs or cut-to-size pieces.

Plan ahead for logistics

Shipping is typically priced in USD, which further increases the influence of currency movements.

For help preparing accurate budgets, visit our contact page.

5. Long-Term View: Currency Advantages for Global Buyers

Over the past decade, Turkey’s strong stone export sector has benefited from favorable exchange rates, making Turkish marble and travertine among the most competitively priced natural stones in the world.

Related reading:

• Budgeting for Marble, Travertine & Limestone Packages
• Key Questions to Ask Before Ordering Turkish Stone
• Step-by-Step Overview of Exporting Turkish Marble