Ceará Doubles Ornamental Stone Exports and Gains International Recognition

Ceará’s exports of ornamental stones surged in the first five months of 2025, reaching USD 32.4 million — a 126.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when the state exported USD 14.3 million. The data comes from the Comex Ornamental Stones report by the International Business Center (CIN) of the Federation of Industries of the State of Ceará (FIEC).

With this performance, Ceará became Brazil’s third-largest exporter in the sector, behind only Espírito Santo (USD 507 million) and Minas Gerais (USD 50.6 million). The segment, which accounted for just 1.7% of the state’s exports in 2023, rose to 4.2% of Ceará’s total foreign sales by May 2025 — marking a significant leap in its export profile.

Quartzite Drives Growth and Draws Global Attention

The main driver behind this growth is quartzite, which accounted for 69% of total exports during the period, totaling USD 22.3 million — a 168.4% increase compared to 2024. The material, valued for its strength and aesthetic appeal, has seen rising demand from international buyers.

“Ceará is now the world’s leading frontier for natural stone,” said Carlos Rubens Alencar, president of Ceará’s Marble and Granite Industry Union (SIMAGRAN). He noted that the state is the exclusive producer of the highly sought-after Taj Mahal quartzite, extracted by Vermont Mineração, as well as other globally rising varieties like Perla Venata, Matira, Nayca, Avohai, Perla Santana, Taj Gang, and Perla Murano.

Karina Frota, manager of CIN, attributed the state’s success to the uniqueness of its stone materials: “We have exclusive stones, rich in silica and with high aesthetic quality. It makes Ceará highly competitive on the global stage.”

Interior Regions Take the Lead

The decentralization of production and exports also drives the sector’s expansion. Uruoca led among exporting municipalities, with USD 8.7 million in sales — a 219.5% increase. Caucaia (USD 5.2 million) and Santa Quitéria (USD 3.3 million) followed, reflecting the growing strength of the industry in inland regions.

The growth of mining activity has also boosted employment and income in rural and semi-arid areas, such as São Gonçalo do Amarante, Massapê, Banabuiú, Itaitinga, and Icó — all identified as promising regions for super-exotic stone production.

Main Markets and Positive Outlook

Export growth has been driven by three major markets: Italy (USD 18.2 million, 56% of total), the United States (USD 7.6 million), and China, which showed the highest proportional growth (USD 5.1 million, up 175%).

According to Carlos Rubens Alencar, the sector has already reached nearly 75% of 2024’s total exports (USD 43.3 million) by May alone. With upcoming shipments, such as a 9,300-ton delivery to Italy scheduled for Thursday (June 12), the state is on track to break its annual export record as early as July.

Challenges and Next Steps

Despite the positive figures, Alencar warns of the need to add value to local production. “With incentives for industrialization, we can move beyond exporting raw blocks and begin selling finished products, creating more jobs and stimulating other industrial chains.”

The global appreciation of natural materials and the international recognition of Ceará’s stone quality signal a strong growth trajectory for the state in the worldwide cladding and finishing materials market.

“What we’re seeing is just the beginning. With the right policies and ongoing investment, Ceará can become a world reference in ornamental stones,” Alencar concluded.

Source: Portal IN

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