Centrorochas and CNI align strategy to expand the natural stone sector’s institutional engagement in the United States

Meeting reinforced the alignment between CNI’s institutional efforts and the business diplomacy strategy pursued by Brazil’s natural stone sector in the U.S. market.

The Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) and the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) met on May 26 in Brasília to align strategies related to the institutional engagement of Brazil’s natural stone sector in the United States, amid ongoing discussions on tariffs, strategic supply chains, and industrial competitiveness.

The meeting brought together Centrorochas Vice President Fábio Cruz and Frederico Lamego, Superintendent of International Relations at CNI. The discussion built upon the sector’s structured response following the announcement of U.S. tariff measures in 2025, when Centrorochas began expanding its institutional presence in Washington with the support of stakeholders connected to international trade, industry, and the local political and regulatory environment.

“This sector-wide effort began following a CNI mission to Washington attended by Centrorochas President Tales Machado and myself. From that point forward, we recognized both the importance and the scale of maintaining a structured institutional presence on behalf of the sector,” said Fábio Cruz.

During the meeting, Centrorochas and CNI discussed ways to deepen relationships with U.S. stakeholders, as well as opportunities to engage institutions focused on investment and industrial financing. The discussion also reinforced the importance of translating institutional engagement into long-term initiatives capable of strengthening the sector’s participation in strategic agendas related to U.S. industry and construction.

For Centrorochas, this engagement is particularly relevant because Brazilian natural stones are directly connected to the U.S. residential and commercial construction supply chain, especially through applications such as countertops, cladding, and finishing projects.