Brazil Stone Exports Hit June All-Time High

VITÓRIA, Brazil – Brazil’s natural stone industry closed the first half of 2026 with $711.1 million  in exports, a result only 4.2% lower than the same period last year.

The data from Centrorochas, the Brazilian Natural Stone Association Centrorochas, showed a significant recovery through the second quarter, substantially reducing the losses recorded at the beginning of the year.

The trend culminated in June, which posted the highest monthly export revenue in the industry’s history, with a year-over-year gain of 34.1% to $165.2 million.

The first-half performance also highlights a significant shift in the composition of Brazil’s natural-stone exports, with quartzites accounting for 60.3% of total export revenue, up 6.7% from the first half of 2025, setting a new record.

By contrast, traditional materials recorded declines: granite, down 18.4%; marble, off 26.7%; and slate, down 7.0%.

Much of the increase in quartzite can be attributed to U.S. tariffs imposed last year. After an appeal, the 50% tariff enacted in 2025 exempted quartzite and other calcareous stones. Although the U.S. Supreme Court threw out those tariffs this February, a new 301 tariff of 25% stated on July 22 contains the same exemptions.

At the same time, Brazilian officials believe the consolidation of quartzite also reflects a transformation in the international market, specifically with advanced processing technologies. Brazilian quartzite is a valued material for high-end architecture, interior design, and construction projects.