In April 2025, import duties were applied to more than global markets, affecting the housing industry. Among the materials now facing price hikes is luxury marble, a classic choice for luxury kitchens and bathrooms.
Homebuilding insiders warn that the duty hike on European marble will inflate budgets for homeowners. Smithers’ founder Nick Smith says, "This isn’t just a price change — it changes project planning for remodelling projects and overall budgets."
### What marble countertops cost today
Right now, marble countertops cost around $60/sq ft, according to industry sources. Italian Carrara, a soft white variety, runs $60–$100/sq ft. Calacatta marble, recognised for dramatic veining, runs about $180/sq ft — meaning a tariff rise could send it up to over $216 per square foot.
With price pressures, contractors note that final quotes could go even higher.
### The bigger impact
The majority of marble in the U.S. is sourced from India. Tariffs now add 20% for European sources, 27% for India, and 34% for China. Such increases can limit projects for renovations.
Smith notes, stylish marble dining tables is now a staple in both kitchens and bathrooms, from waterfall vanity tops to window sills."
### Other premium surfaces without the same price tag
If marble’s new price puts you off, there are multiple high-end options:
- **Quartzite** – Mined domestically, with elegance similar to marble, costing $70–$120/sq ft.
- **Soapstone** – Matte, veined, and unique, sourced from Vermont, at $70 to $120 per foot.
- **Quartz** – Engineered, imitates natural
Homebuilding insiders warn that the duty hike on European marble will inflate budgets for homeowners. Smithers’ founder Nick Smith says, "This isn’t just a price change — it changes project planning for remodelling projects and overall budgets."### What marble countertops cost today
Right now, marble countertops cost around $60/sq ft, according to industry sources. Italian Carrara, a soft white variety, runs $60–$100/sq ft. Calacatta marble, recognised for dramatic veining, runs about $180/sq ft — meaning a tariff rise could send it up to over $216 per square foot.
With price pressures, contractors note that final quotes could go even higher.
### The bigger impact
The majority of marble in the U.S. is sourced from India. Tariffs now add 20% for European sources, 27% for India, and 34% for China. Such increases can limit projects for renovations.
Smith notes, stylish marble dining tables is now a staple in both kitchens and bathrooms, from waterfall vanity tops to window sills."
### Other premium surfaces without the same price tag
If marble’s new price puts you off, there are multiple high-end options:
- **Quartzite** – Mined domestically, with elegance similar to marble, costing $70–$120/sq ft.
- **Soapstone** – Matte, veined, and unique, sourced from Vermont, at $70 to $120 per foot.
- **Quartz** – Engineered, imitates natural