Centrorochas Joins CNI Mission in Washington and Strengthens International Efforts Against Tariff Hike

The association joined over 30 sectors of Brazilian industry to defend the competitiveness of its products and intensify efforts to reverse tariffs on materials such as marble, granite, and slate.

Washington (USA) – The Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) participated in the first day of the Brazilian industry business mission in Washington, coordinated by the president of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), Ricardo Alban. The initiative aims to raise awareness among U.S. authorities about the negative impacts of the 50% tariffs imposed on Brazilian products. Centrorochas was represented by its president, Tales Machado, and vice-president, Fábio Cruz.

Legal and Political Landscape Presentation

The day’s activities began with a presentation by Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm hired by CNI and a leading name in government relations in the United States. Lawyers from the firm outlined the political and legal context surrounding the imposition of additional tariffs on Brazilian products, including natural stones. Following the recommendation for each sector to seek specialized legal support, Centrorochas has already initiated talks with various lobbying firms to ensure tailored advocacy for the natural stone sector with U.S. authorities.

Participation in the Section 301 Public Hearing

Next, Centrorochas took part in the public hearing convened by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), alongside representatives from over 30 Brazilian industry sectors. Oral statements were presented, reinforcing technical arguments previously submitted. USTR members paid particular attention to topics such as deforestation and anti-corruption measures, suggesting that these issues will weigh heavily in the final decisions.

Bilateral Meetings and Diplomatic Engagement

The Centrorochas delegation also participated in strategic meetings with U.S. authorities and partners. In an audience with the Brazilian Ambassador to the United States, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Brazil’s efforts to maintain a positive agenda with the U.S. were emphasized, despite the surprise shift toward protectionism under the Trump administration.

Another highlight was the meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, who acknowledged the political nature of the new tariffs and warned about the side effects of these measures on American companies and consumers.

Engagement with U.S. Partner Entities

To reinforce international collaboration, Centrorochas met with key leaders from the American market:

• Jim Hieb, CEO of the Natural Stone Institute (NSI)
• Alex Strong, Senior Director of Federal Legislative Affairs at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
• Andrea Fletcher, Director at distributor Emerald

The meetings confirmed alignment between buyers, builders, and suppliers regarding the urgency of solutions to avoid collapse in the natural stone industry’s logistics and commercial chains.

The first day of the mission concluded with a reception at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, bringing together members of the Brazilian delegation and U.S. institutional representatives. The event provided strategic networking opportunities and reinforced the Brazilian industry’s willingness to maintain a technical, respectful, and data-driven dialogue with its American counterparts.

Final Panel to Conclude Brazilian Agenda in Washington

The business mission agenda continues this Wednesday, September 4th, with a key panel on Brazil–U.S. trade relations and cooperation strategies between the productive sectors of both countries.

Agenda – Wednesday, September 4, 2025

Location: Hotel Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square

• 08:00 AM – Welcome Coffee
• 08:45 AM to 11:30 AM – Brazil–U.S. Business Dialogue: Trade Impacts and Strategies to Deepen the Economic Partnership

Panel Program:

• Opening Remarks:
  • Ricardo Alban (President, CNI)
  • Neil Herrington (Senior Vice President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
  • Abrão Árabe Neto (CEO, Amcham Brasil)
  • Lisa Schroeter (Dow / Brazil–U.S. CEO Forum)
  • José Serrador (VP, Embraer)
• Overview of Brazil–U.S. Trade Relations:
  • Ryan Majerus (King & Spalding)
• Sectoral Dialogue:
  • Representatives from both Brazilian and American sectors will share impacts, strategies, and potential joint actions for tariff revision.
• Closing Remarks:
  • Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo, CNI Consultant