Brazil's Natural Stone Exports Reach Record $1.35 Billion Through November 2025

Record-Breaking Export Performance

Brazilian natural stone exports have reached an unprecedented USD 1.35 billion through November of this year, representing a substantial 18.7% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This historic achievement was announced by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), underscoring the sector's resilience and strategic adaptability in the global market.

The impressive figures come despite a challenging international trade environment, including the impact of U.S. tariffs on certain natural stone products. Centrorochas President Tales Machado described this year's record as 'an achievement' for the entire production chain, highlighting intense efforts to mitigate tariff effects and consolidate new markets.

Shifting Market Dynamics and Tariff Impacts

While overall exports surged, the sector experienced significant shifts in product demand. Exports of granite saw a decline of 14.7%, marble decreased by 9.8%, and soapstone plummeted by 54.6%. These declines are largely attributed to additional tariffs of up to 50% imposed by the U.S. government on these specific materials, which have compromised their competitiveness.

Conversely, quartzite has emerged as a key growth driver. It is notably exempt from the U.S. tariffs and has experienced significant demand, particularly for applications such as kitchen and bathroom countertops. This highlights a strategic pivot within the industry to focus on products with favorable market conditions.

Strategic Expansion and Key Destinations

The United States remains the primary destination for Brazilian natural stones, absorbing USD 735.4 million through November, an increase of 15.7% compared to 2024, even with the existing tariffs. Beyond the U.S., China and Italy continue to be crucial markets, primarily for raw stone blocks used in local processing.

Centrorochas has also reported 'strategic advances' in its internationalization project, with a notable focus on the Middle East. This expansion is fueled by growing demand from Middle Eastern countries, infrastructure investments, and high-end architectural projects in the region. A new shipping route between Brazil and the United Arab Emirates has drastically reduced transit times from approximately 90 to 30 days, boosting competitiveness. Furthermore, a study is underway to establish a distribution hub in the Middle East, following a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between Centrorochas and the Port of Abu Dhabi.

These efforts are part of the 'It's Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone' program, an initiative by Centrorochas in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), aimed at promoting Brazilian stones globally.