The entire nation came to a halt trying to face the real challenges of the pandemic situation and lockdowns during the last six months. The natural stone sector also jostled to a stop with no production or transportation. The course to find a way through the unprecedented waters is a challenge for everyone.
In fact, in a statement, HaseenaZakiChakkiwala from Quality Marble Exports quoted,
“From 25th of March, the Indian stone industry, as every other Indian industry has suspended entire operations owing to Government directives to contain the pandemic. This includes quarry activities, processing facilities, allied logistics, administrative offices.”
This headlong message indicated that the construction industry and natural stone market needs to wait for giving way to humanity and safety.
How Did the Market Move from Zero to Current State?
The initial response of all companies to the pandemic situation was going on a complete lockdown mode. This caused an immediate pause in the natural stone industry as construction companies went down to the skeleton mode of managing the team by layoffs.
The construction companies and projects that demand marble flooring were in a further dilemma as natural stone suppliers were unable to get into full operational mode due to the restrictions on the transportation sector. Some of the marble stockyards in Chennai also faced the problem of delivery because of the reluctance of drivers to work in fear of catching the virus.
However, in a few weeks’ time, the Government notified that few industries can start their work with proper precautions and minimal staff for the operation of the company. Although this helped the companies start with minimal workforce, most of the workers were stuck in their native place with no means of traveling back.
After a couple of weeks, the Government restarted the transport for workers to travel with optimum precautions and the industry started to function close to normal again. In the month of July, construction sites resumed 50% of their normal operation and slowly assisted the natural stone industry to pick up the pace.
Even though the companies dealing with marble and granite have started gearing up, it will take some time for them to adjust to the ‘new normal’ work environment. Moreover, it will also take some time for companies to get some flesh over the skeleton mode of the working atmosphere.
Challenges Faced During the Quarantine Period
The quarantine or the lockdown phase in the country directly affected the Indian market by halting production and transportation. As these two factors are the main pillars of the natural stone market, the market nearly became scarce because of demands and new inquiries. The construction and architecture business was completely shut down – thanks to the clause of maintaining at least a 2-meter social distancing making it nearly impossible for the industry to operate normally.
Following are some of the most common challenges faced by the natural stone industry:
- Export business was affected causing a drastic fall in demand from the country as well as foreign market.
- International sourcing of natural stones has been seriously affected – a direct effect of ceasing the import-export market.
- Quality imported marble that comes from countries like Spain, Italy, Turkey, etc. have halted as the entire quarrying process and production was on standstill.
- Transport between inter districts and states have been completely ceased, affecting the fulfillment of the consignment. It resulted in orders stuck for the delivery without any means to reach the needed site.
- B2B demand has shriveled as there is have no clarity on when the project will resume, or whether the commercial demand for space will continue to exist due to emergence of work from home culture.
- Safety and hygiene protocols have been a pressing concern along with personal safety and following social distancing norms. It has become a difficult task, especially at the quarries.
- Balancing staff for the desired incoming work and projects has been a difficult task, especially with workers migrating back to their native places during the lockdown period.
What Holds in The Future?
As the famous quote states, “There’s No Reason To Look Back When You Have So Much To Look Forward To”, let’s talk about what the future holds rather than reminiscing about the loss during nearly half of the year.
The future of the natural stone industry does promise a lot of scope. As per recent statistics, the enquiries have grown substantially owing to the concept of renovation and interior decorating. All stemming from more time being spent by people in their own homes and developing a need to upgrade their respective lifestyles.
The experts’ advice, if one prefers to opt for marble flooring and he/she likes a particular batch/lot, then it would be wise to freeze and finalise at the earliest and not wait for more options. This is mainly because of the low production levels across continents and further domestic logistical issues. Of course, situation will change in the long term and we will all be back to a scenario with unlimited choice but the question is how long you can afford to wait considering everything we are exposed to now!
In short, we can say that the natural stone industry has already faced many storms in their decades of existence, this small set back won’t derail their journey to success.
The construction and the natural stone industry are confident enough to emerge with more agility, collaborative unity, and a fresh drive to excel whatever challenges this pandemic situation throws in their direction.
