Granite remains one of the most sought-after natural stones in the United States, valued for its durability, timeless beauty, and wide variety of colors. Turkey, with its extensive quarries and well-established stone industry, has become a major supplier to the U.S. market. For American importers, understanding the average cost of importing granite from Turkey in 2025 is essential for effective budgeting and competitive pricing. Let’s break down the key factors, including product pricing, logistics, and customs considerations.
Granite Pricing in Turkey
The base price of Turkish granite varies depending on quality, finish, and quantity:
- Standard commercial-quality slabs: $15–$25 per square meter (FOB, Turkey)
- Premium colors and exotic varieties: $30–$60 per square meter
- Cut-to-size tiles and smaller formats: $10–$20 per square meter
In 2025, prices remain relatively stable compared to previous years, though premium varieties have seen slight increases due to higher demand in U.S. markets and rising quarrying costs in Turkey.
Logistics and Freight Costs
Shipping granite from Turkey to the U.S. involves ocean freight, inland transportation, and handling. Costs in 2025 are influenced by global fuel prices and port congestion, though rates have stabilized since the pandemic-driven spikes of earlier years.
- Ocean freight (Turkey to East Coast, e.g., New York, Savannah, Norfolk): $2,000–$3,000 per 20-foot container
- Ocean freight (Turkey to Gulf & Midwest, e.g., Houston, New Orleans): $2,300–$3,500 per 20-foot container
- Ocean freight (Turkey to West Coast, e.g., Los Angeles, Oakland): $3,500–$5,000 per 20-foot container
A standard 20-foot container typically holds 300–350 m² of slabs, or about 20–24 tons of granite, depending on thickness.
- Per-square-meter shipping cost averages $7–$12, depending on the destination port and container load.
U.S. Customs Duties and Import Taxes
Importing granite into the United States requires compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations. Key costs include:
- Customs duty on granite: usually 0%–6.5%, depending on HS code classification (worked vs. unworked stone).
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of the shipment’s value (min. $30.69, max. $575.35).
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of the cargo value for ocean shipments.
Most polished slabs and tiles fall into HS codes with no additional punitive tariffs, making Turkey a cost-effective source compared to some Asian exporters.
Inland Transportation and Distribution
Once granite arrives at a U.S. port, importers must factor in inland trucking and warehousing:
- Trucking from port to warehouse: $700–$1,500 per container, depending on distance.
- Handling, unloading, and storage fees: $500–$1,000 per container.
Importers serving the Midwest or inland states should budget more, as costs rise when moving granite from coastal ports to distribution hubs.
Total Landed Cost Estimate (2025)
To calculate an average landed cost for granite imported from Turkey to the U.S.:
- FOB Turkey price: $20–$40 per m²
- Ocean freight + handling: $7–$12 per m²
- Customs & port fees: $1–$2 per m²
- Inland transport (average): $2–$4 per m²
✅ Total average landed cost in 2025: $30–$55 per m² for most commercial granite imports from Turkey to the U.S.
Key Considerations for Importers
- Volume discounts: Larger shipments lower per-square-meter costs.
- Port choice: Importing through East Coast or Gulf ports is generally cheaper than the West Coast.
- Currency fluctuations: Turkish lira exchange rates against the U.S. dollar can affect FOB pricing.
- Supplier relationships: Established contracts often provide better stability in pricing and logistics.
In 2025, importing granite from Turkey to the USA remains a cost-effective and reliable option for distributors, fabricators, and contractors. While total landed costs typically range from $30 to $55 per square meter, exact figures depend on product type, shipping route, and customs classification. Careful planning around logistics, customs duties, and supplier agreements can help U.S. importers maximize profitability while ensuring a steady supply of high-quality Turkish granite.