New U.S. tariff reshapes the competitive landscape for Brazilian natural stone
The Brazilian Natural Stone Association takes a closer look at Brazil’s position relative to its main competitors and monitors operational definitions that are still pending. Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, July 27, 2026 – The new additional tariff of 12.5% imposed by the United States under the investigation related to forced labor strengthens the competitive position […]
The Brazilian Natural Stone Association takes a closer look at Brazil’s position relative to its main competitors and monitors operational definitions that are still pending.
Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, July 27, 2026 – The new additional tariff of 12.5% imposed by the United States under the investigation related to forced labor strengthens the competitive position of Italy and India against Brazilian natural stone in the North American market. While Italy remained outside the investigation and India was assigned the 10% rate, Brazil was placed in the 12.5% bracket, alongside China and Turkey.
In the assessment of the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), the measure adds to the challenges facing the sector, which since July 22 has already been dealing with a 25% tariff applied to part of Brazil’s natural stone products under a separate trade investigation conducted by the U.S. Although the two measures may end up being applied cumulatively, reaching 37.5%, that possibility still depends on guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. customs authority.
The new tariff configuration repositions two of Brazil’s major competitors in the North American market. Italy, the leading supplier of marble and high-value-added natural stone, retained its access conditions to the U.S. market without being subject to the new tariff. India, a global benchmark in granite production, now has a lower rate than Brazil (10%), increasing its competitiveness in segments where it competes directly with Brazilian companies. According to the U.S. government, the differentiated treatment granted to India stems from the measures the country adopted during the investigation to strengthen its mechanisms for combating forced labor.
China and Turkey keep similar conditions
For China and Turkey, the competitive effects are likely to be more limited, since both countries now share the same 12.5% rate applied to Brazil. In China’s case, however, the business environment continues to be shaped by other trade measures adopted previously.
In addition to leading global natural stone production, China plays a strategic role in the global chain by importing large volumes of blocks, especially from Brazil, for processing and subsequent re-export. In 2025, the country accounted for 17.6% of Brazilian natural stone exports, with purchases of US$ 260.1 million, concentrated mainly in quartzite and granite blocks.
Implementation still depends on the U.S. customs authority
“Although the political decision is already settled, several operational aspects still need to be regulated by CBP,” stressed Centrorochas president Tales Machado. Among the main pending points are the methodology for charging when different Section 301 measures coexist, implementation within the U.S. customs system, the treatment of goods in transit, the application of the exceptions provided for in the decision, and clarification on specific tariff codes. Historically, measures of this kind are usually followed by supplementary technical guidance in the weeks after they take effect.
The sector steps up its efforts in a more complex global scenario
Since the investigations conducted by the U.S. government began, Centrorochas has set up a permanent front to monitor developments in U.S. trade policy. According to Fábio Cruz, vice president of the Brazilian Natural Stone Association, “the work brings together specialized consulting in Washington, dialogue with U.S. institutional and business partners, and continuous monitoring of decisions by the agencies responsible for implementing the measures. This monitoring has allowed the sector to anticipate scenarios, interpret complex regulatory aspects, and guide Brazilian companies with greater technical certainty,” he added.
For the Centrorochas president, the new scenario calls for attention. “The tariff gap is a factor that needs to be watched closely, especially in a market as strategic for us as the United States. We do have one point in our favor, though: the purchasing decision is not defined by the tariff alone. The market also values attributes such as the exclusivity of the materials, quality, availability, and supply reliability. And Brazil has not lost any of that,” Tales noted.
Along the same lines, vice president Fábio Cruz points out that the situation goes beyond tariff impacts and highlights the growing influence of geopolitics on international trade. “The Brazilian natural stone sector is increasingly part of a global environment in which geopolitical factors directly influence business. Producing well is no longer enough. We need to understand international movements, maintain permanent dialogue with the main markets, and strengthen our institutional presence to defend the competitiveness of Brazilian companies,” he explained.
Where the Brazilian natural stone sector stands
- Quartzite: not included in the additional 25% tariff, in force since July 22 and arising from the specific investigation against Brazil. Under the new decision related to forced labor, it now becomes subject to the additional 12.5% tariff.
- Granite, marble, slate, and other non-metallic minerals: remain subject to the additional 25% tariff already in force. They were also covered by the new 12.5% tariff, whose combined application still depends on regulation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), potentially reaching a rate of 37.5%.
Press contact
Karina Porto Firme | Head of Communications, Centrorochas
+55 27 99705-5705 | comunicacao@centrorochas.org.br
Instagram: @centrorochas