CM to open Stonemart today as export outlook brightens

Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will inaugurate the 13th edition of India Stonemart 2026 Thursday, at a time when the country's export landscape is set for a decisive shift with a sharp reduction in US tariffs and a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union.The four-day international exhibition will continue until Feb 8, opening opportunities for the state's stone industry to realign with international buyers and the global supply chain.
Industry minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, chief secretary V Srinivas, Laghu Udyog Bharati leaders Madhusudan Dadu and Prakash Chandra, senior officials from the industries department and RIICO will take part to kick off the event.The reduction in US tariffs on Indian products revived competitiveness for stone and value-added stone products in the largest export market.Simultaneously, the proposed India–EU FTA is expected to lower duties and ease market access for Indian exporters across Europe, where natural stone is extensively used in architecture, infrastructure and high-end interiors.For Rajasthan, which forms the backbone of India's stone exports, these developments are expected to translate into fresh demand, better price realisation and scope for long-term contracts. India Stonemart 2026 is expected to act as a launchpad for exporters and MSMEs to engage with buyers from the US, EU and other key markets, against the backdrop of trade conditions turning favourable.