Natural stone sector grows despite tariffs, but drop in granite and marble exports raises concern

The additional tariffs imposed by the United States on various Brazilian products have generated concrete effects on the natural stone sector, especially on exports of granite, marble, and soapstone. According to data released by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), exports totaled US$1.24 billion between January and October 2025, an increase of 20.3% compared with the same period last year. The growth, however, does not reflect a stable situation.

The projection is that the sector could have reached an even more significant result were it not for the sharp drop in sales to the United States of materials directly affected by the tariffs. Exports of granite, for example, fell 14.7%; marble decreased 9.8%; and soapstone dropped 54.6%. All of these products are included in the list of materials subject to the additional 50% tariff imposed by the U.S. government, which has compromised their competitiveness relative to other global suppliers.

It is worth noting that although Brazilian natural stones are included in the list of critical non-metallic minerals for the U.S. residential construction chain, only one tariff code (HTSUS 6802.99.00) was included among the exceptions to the additional duty.

This code covers quartzite, whose demand has been rising significantly. The other materials, such as marble, granite, and soapstone, remain subject to the surcharge, which compromises international competitiveness and limits the full exploitation of the sector’s export potential.

“Brazil has the greatest geodiversity on the planet, with more than 1,200 varieties of natural stones, a unique potential that still has much to be explored in global trade,” said Centrorochas president Tales Machado.

Premium application in kitchens and bathrooms

With high added value and known for their resistance and durability, Brazilian quartzites have been widely used in the U.S. market, especially in kitchen and bathroom countertops, where aesthetics and performance are decisive. This use, however, does not compete with domestic American production of marble and granite, which is traditionally aimed at monuments and public works, reinforcing the complementary rather than substitutive role of Brazilian natural stone in that market.

The United States remains the main destination for Brazilian natural stones, accounting for 53.9% of exports between January and October this year. Next are China (17.0%) and Italy (8.3%), both with record levels of purchases, especially of raw blocks that are later processed and marketed across different continents.

According to Centrorochas president Tales Machado, the situation reinforces the importance of a technical and strategic approach in the face of international challenges. “Since the announcement of the tariff increase, we have launched a strong business diplomacy effort with technical and institutional agendas in Washington D.C., seeking to mitigate the effects of the measure and open paths for the sector’s sustainable growth. The performance of quartzites shows that this coordination works and that Brazil remains relevant and competitive in the global natural stone market,” he concluded.

(*) With information from Centrorochas

Source: Comex do Brasil

Sharing is caring!