The French slate market is estimated at around 200,000 tonnes a year, and the value of imported slate is around €200 million. France is the world's largest consumer of slate, despite a structural decline in the market. Almost all the slate consumed in France is imported, largely from Spain, the world's leading producer with approximately 90% of production. Spanish producer Cupa Pizarras is a market leader, with sales in excess of 430 million euros. France consumes between 190,000 and 210,000 tonnes of slate annually, down significantly from the previous peak of 320,000 tonnes. Slate has a lifespan of up to 100 years. Its waterproofing, insulation and fire-resistance properties are very high. The cost of slate is very high, and its installation complicated and costly. Their heavy weight and the roof slope required for installation limit their use. Most of the demand for slate comes from the construction sector, and renovation in particular regions of France. The market is organized betw
