The Spanish North Western port of La Corun~a is trying to tempt the granite industry, which currently uses the neighbouring port of Vigo, to switch exports to its facilities.
In 2014, Vigo handled 434,566 tonnes of granite, equivalent to 15% of total traffic volumes. Overall, granite tonnage was down 19% compared to 2013, although refined granite was up by 15% and this has seven times more commercial value, being worth in the region of €130 million.
The autonomous region of Galicia currently produces around 80% of all Spain's granite, with Vigo being the most important export port.
To date, the industry has received coolly La Corun~a's overtures, especially given the extra transport cost of moving output from production areas at Porrin~o, given the close proximity of Vigo.
BC