Brazil Breaks Natural-Stone Sales Record
VITÓRIA, Brazil – Despite declines in granite and marble exports caused by increased U.S. tariffs, Brazil’s natural stone sector recorded its highest export volume ever in November.
Total 2025 sales through November equaled $1.35 billion USD in U.S. dollars, according to data from the Brazilian Natural Stone Association Centrorochas. That surpasses the previous record set in 2021 at $1.34 billion.
With an 18.7% increase over the same period in 2024 , this year’s results highlight the resilience of the Brazilian industry.
Even with the punitive 40% tariff hike, the United States remained the largest importer of Brazilian stones, accounting for 54.4% of exports, and $735.4 million in sales through November. That’s a 15.7% increase in volume. The U.S. continues to be the top consumer of materials primarily for kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Still, Brazilian officials postulate that sales could have been stronger if not for the 50% in additional U.S. tariffs, 40% of which were imposed in August by President Donald Trump over perceived anti-business actions by the Brazilian justice system and the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro concerning an abortive 2024 coup attempt. (Bolsonaro was later convicted of the charges.)
Since that time, Brazilian exports of granite fell by 17.3% and marble by 16.5% to the United States. Quartzite is exempt from the 40% tariff, and sales of it grew by 39% during the period.
During the same time, sales to both China and Italy grew, reinforcing Brazil’s role as a key supplier to major stone processing and re-export industries. Sales to China grew by 13.65% and represent 16.6% of Brazil’s total output, while sales to Italy increased by 46.3% and represent 7.8% of Brazil’s stone sales. Both countries primarily import raw blocks.
Brazil also expanded its international sales to the Middle East over the first months of 2025. Heightened demand has been met with a direct maritime route between Rio de Janeiro and Abu Dhabi for the first time in 25 years. The new route cuts shipping times from about three months to just 30 days.
Centrorochas signed a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi Port, which positions Abu Dhabi as the most-promising hub in the Middle East, although other locations remain under evaluation.
Centrorochas’ President Tales Machado says the results through November demonstrate the strength of the Brazilian stone industry and the importance of the collective effort made to strengthen the sector’s international presence.
“In a year marked by challenges, especially in the United States, we worked intensively to mitigate the impact of tariff hikes, progressed in consolidating new markets and expanded our presence in the Middle East,” Machado says. “The 2025 record is a shared achievement across the entire production chain. We enter 2026 with positive expectations.”