Brazilian Natural Stone Sector Secures Partial Tariff Exemption in the U.S. and Holds Event at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington This Friday (Aug 1)

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Vitória-ES, July 30, 2025

Brazilian Natural Stone Sector Secures Partial Tariff Exemption in the U.S. and Holds Event at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington This Friday (Aug 1)

The Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) expresses its position regarding the decree signed this Wednesday (July 30) by United States President Donald Trump, which establishes an additional 40% tariff on Brazilian exports, adding to the 10% already in place and raising the total rate to 50%.

Despite the severity of the measure, Centrorochas received with relief the confirmation that one of the sector’s main export products, Worked monumental or building stone, nesoi, was included in the list of tariff exemptions. The item appears as HTSUS 6802.99.00, according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The information was confirmed through technical analyses based on the final version of the decree and the official lists published by the U.S. government.

Sector Relevance

The exemption represents a partial victory for the natural stone sector, whose primary export product to the United States falls under this classification. The U.S. is the main destination for Brazilian stones, accounting for over 56% of total exports. In July alone, prior to the exemption confirmation, it was estimated that more than 1,200 containers would go unshipped, causing losses of over US$ 40 million.

Official Agenda in Washington

As part of its international mobilization efforts, sector representatives will take part in an official agenda this Friday (August 1) at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington. The initiative is led by Centrorochas, in strategic partnership with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), and will include the symbolic delivery of a joint letter to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), reinforcing the tariff’s potential negative impacts on the Brazilian industry and the U.S. construction supply chain.

“The announcement of the exemption for our main NCM brings important relief to the sector, but we remain vigilant. Our agenda in Washington is confirmed to formally advocate for the inclusion of all natural stone categories and to ensure legal certainty and predictability for our international operations,” says Fábio Cruz, Vice President of Centrorochas.

This action in Washington follows the international engagement initiated by Centrorochas since the tariff was first announced on July 9 and is aligned with Sindirochas and industry leaders. The letter to NAHB also requests the inclusion of all types of natural stone on the exemption list, noting that the U.S. does not produce this raw material domestically and relies on it for its construction industry.

“The sector stands united, acting responsibly, strategically, and through open dialogue. The confirmation of the exemption for NCM 6802.99.00 is a significant step forward, but we must ensure the entire supply chain understands the terms of this measure and prepares for what comes next,” reinforces Tales Machado, President of Centrorochas.

Construction Costs in the U.S. Could Rise

As part of the ongoing international mobilization led by Centrorochas, representatives of the Brazilian natural stone sector will participate in an official agenda this Friday (August 1) at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington. The initiative is carried out in partnership with the Natural Stone Institute (NSI).

“The signing of the decree only reinforces the importance of our presence in Washington this week. This tariff impacts Brazil but also directly affects the American supply chain. We will make this point clear—responsibly and united,” says Fábio Cruz, Vice President of Centrorochas.

In its engagements with U.S. associations, Centrorochas gained access to a preliminary document prepared by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), one of the largest trade groups in the U.S. representing builders, developers, contractors, and the construction supply chain. While the report is not yet finalized, the preliminary data points to a significant increase in the average cost of new residential construction in the U.S.

According to the association, approximately 7% of all materials used in new multifamily and single-family housing construction in 2024 were imported, totaling over US$ 120 billion. “The cost of building materials has already risen by 41.6% in the five years since the pandemic, far outpacing the overall inflation rate (21.9%). The proposed tariffs on these products—including building materials, appliances, and finishes—are expected to disrupt supply chains and further raise housing costs for American families,” the draft report states.

The tariff measure also raises concern for other reasons, such as:

• 85% of all natural stone consumed in the U.S. is imported;
• Brazil is the top supplier, accounting for 22.6% of imports, followed by Italy (19.1%);
• The most widely used countertop materials are of Brazilian origin;
• The U.S. does not have sufficient domestic production to meet demand;
• The tariff will impact over 12,000 manufacturers, 500 distributors, and 200,000 jobs in the U.S.

During the meeting at the Embassy, a joint letter will be symbolically delivered to the NAHB, emphasizing the negative consequences of the tariff on the Brazilian sector and the direct effect on U.S. construction costs. The letter also calls for the inclusion of Brazilian natural stones in the full exemption list.

The event will bring together around 20 participants, including Brazilian industry representatives, Embassy officials, local media guests, and leaders from U.S. partner entities. The confirmed business delegation includes Cosentino, Emerstones, Magban, Milanezi Granitos, and Santo Antonio, in addition to Maurício Borges, President of the National Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers (Anfacer).

This initiative in Washington marks another key step in the diplomatic and institutional efforts spearheaded by Centrorochas since the July 9 announcement of the tariff. It is carried out in close coordination with Sindirochas and supported by business and political leaders.

“The sector is united in a coordinated mobilization, fostering institutional dialogue in Brazil and abroad. Our goal is to mitigate the damage caused by this abrupt measure and to preserve jobs, investments, and the global competitiveness of Brazilian natural stones,” adds Tales Machado, President of Centrorochas.

About the Sector

The Brazilian natural stone industry generates approximately 480,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country. In 2024, exports totaled US$ 1.26 billion, marking a 12.7% increase. The U.S. led the rankings with US$ 710 million in imports. In the first half of 2025 alone, the sector reached a historic record, with US$ 426 million exported to the American market.

Centrorochas is the nationally recognized entity representing Brazil’s natural stone export sector, with over 230 associated and institutionally supported companies. The association maintains strong ties with international entities such as NSI (USA), Confindustria Marmomacchine (Italy), Assimagra (Portugal), and IMMIB (Turkey).

The association reaffirms its commitment to ensuring competitiveness, predictability, and a strong international presence for Brazilian natural stones.