China's import and export volume of stone slabs amounted to more than 3.7 billion U.S. dollars last year, a growth of 23.3 percent from the previous year, according to the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters.

The rise is attributed to China's abundant stone resources and the fast-growing real estate sector.

Xiamen Port, in east China's Fujian Province, handled 9.3 million tons of stone slab imports and exports, valued at 2.3 billion U.S. dollars, more than 60 percent of the country's total, the local chamber of commerce said. The exports stood at 1.67 billion U.S. dollars and imports at 630 million U.S. dollars.

Most of the imports came from India, Brazil and Spain.

Xiamen has become China's largest stone trading center. There are now more than 600 stone importers and exporters in the city, the chamber of commerce added.

Sponsored by the China Chamber of Commerce of Metals, Minerals & Chemicals Importers & Exporters, the 7th Xiamen International Stone Slab Exhibition is due to be held from March 8 to 11 this year in the eastern coastal city. Around 850 enterprises from 30-plus countries and regions will participate in the four-day event.