Minas Gerais Maintains a Strategic Position in Brazilian Natural Stone Exports

The country’s second-largest exporter, the state accounts for 9.1% of sales in 2025. A slate hub, Papagaios stands out among the top 10 exporting municipalities nationwide, with a 25.2% increase in revenue.

Minas Gerais closed 2025 maintaining a strategic position in Brazilian natural stone exports, in a year marked by the highest revenue in the history of the sector, which reached US$ 1.48 billion—an increase of 17.5% compared to 2024. According to data from the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), the state accounted for 9.1% of Brazil’s total exports, remaining in second place among the country’s three largest exporters, behind Espírito Santo (78.5%) and ahead of Ceará (7.4%).

Minas Gerais’ share reflects a production profile that complements the major national hubs, with a focus on specific markets, contributing to greater stability in a more volatile international environment—especially following the imposition of additional tariffs by the United States. “Although the state did not post a historic record, the data indicate a consistent recovery, particularly in European destinations, signaling opportunities for expansion in specific niches and technically applied products,” notes Tales Machado, president of Centrorochas.

Within the export portfolio, slate and granite sustained the state’s presence in the international market. China and the United Kingdom consolidated their positions as the main destinations for natural stones from Minas Gerais in 2025. China led purchases, with US$ 56.3 million—an increase of 15.2% year over year—maintaining its strategic role as a market for absorption and processing of imported materials. The United Kingdom followed with US$ 24.6 million, recording a significant growth of 33.6%, driven by demand from construction and renovation activities, especially for technically applied products such as slate.

In this context, Papagaios gained prominence as one of Brazil’s leading cities in the sector. Slate production—widely used in roofing, flooring, and cladding—is the municipality’s flagship activity. Papagaios is located 143 km from the state capital, Belo Horizonte.