In New Effort in Washington, Brazilian Stone Sector Coordinates with CNI to Open New Fronts Against 50% Tariffs

At the conclusion of the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) mission in the U.S., Centrorochas highlights the strategic actions of the Brazilian natural stone sector, reinforces the importance of industry unity, and calls on the Confederation to support expanding dialogue with U.S. lawmakers linked to the construction sector.

Washington, D.C. – The Brazilian industry trade mission in Washington, D.C., coordinated by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and led by its president Ricardo Alban, concluded on September 4 with an important panel on trade relations between Brazil and the United States. The Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), represented by its president Tales Machado and vice president Fábio Cruz, was among the entities participating in the two-day agenda, reaffirming the sector’s institutional positioning amid the ongoing tariff crisis affecting products such as marble, granite, and slate.

Strategic Dialogue at the Brazil-U.S. Business Panel

The mission’s closing event was held at the Sofitel Hotel in Washington and gathered representatives from CNI, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Amcham Brasil, and leading companies such as Dow and Embraer. The panel, “Brazil-U.S. Business Dialogue: Trade Impacts and Strategies to Deepen Economic Partnership,” featured notable contributions, including remarks by Ricardo Alban and international trade advisor Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo.

The program also included a structured exchange among Brazilian sectors present in the mission. Representatives shared strategies implemented since the July announcement of the additional 50% tariffs on several Brazilian products.

During these discussions, Fábio Cruz, Centrorochas’ vice president, outlined the main initiatives led by the Brazilian natural stone sector to address the tariff impacts. These included coordination with U.S. associations such as NAHB and NSI, submission of technical documents to the USTR, and ongoing efforts to engage a U.S.-based lobbying firm. These actions demonstrate the sector’s commitment to a structured and proactive defense of its interests.

Centrorochas also formally requested CNI’s support in mapping U.S. Congress members connected to the residential construction sector. In partnership with NAHB, the goal is to present studies demonstrating how tariffs on Brazilian natural stones significantly increase U.S. housing costs.

Strategic Reflection and Next Steps

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo emphasized the need for resilience and a long-term vision from Brazilian industries: “Not everyone in the U.S. government thinks alike. This is a moment of crisis, but also of great opportunity. Be bold, be ambitious. Think long term, because this scenario is likely to persist.”

The mission’s main takeaway was the importance of maintaining ongoing work in Washington, including constant monitoring of the political and legal landscape, strengthening data-driven strategies, and deepening collaboration with U.S. institutions.

According to Tales Machado, president of Centrorochas: “Over these two days, it became even clearer that organized sectoral associations with strong technical capacity are critical to navigating challenging scenarios like this. These efforts demand time, energy, and preparation, but Centrorochas’ active participation highlighted the strength and maturity of Brazil’s natural stone sector. We will continue working strategically, collaboratively, and with unity to secure solutions that preserve our international competitiveness.”

Mission Highlights – Day One

The CNI trade mission began on September 3, bringing together more than 30 sectors of Brazilian industry to coordinate actions against the U.S. tariffs. Centrorochas actively represented the natural stone sector from the outset, reinforcing its institutional role.

The day began with a presentation by Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm, which provided a detailed analysis of the political and legal context surrounding the tariffs. Following CNI’s recommendation, Centrorochas has already initiated discussions with specialized firms to strengthen the sector’s representation in Washington.

Centrorochas also participated in the Section 301 public hearing, convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), alongside representatives from industries such as textiles, food, footwear, chemicals, steel, and ceramics.

Later that day, Centrorochas joined meetings with Brazil’s Ambassador to the U.S., Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, and held strategic discussions with Jim Hieb (NSI), Alex Strong (NAHB), and Andrea Fletcher (Emerald), reinforcing alignment with key stakeholders in the U.S. construction materials supply chain.

On the same day, CNI conducted a restricted meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, attended by select members of the Brazilian delegation. Centrorochas was not present but is closely following developments through CNI and partner institutions.

Brazilian Delegation

Associations represented: Abimaq (machinery and equipment), Abrinq (toys), Abal (aluminum), Abiec (beef), Abimci (wood), Cecafé (coffee), ABFA (tools), Anfacer (ceramics), Centrorochas (natural stones), CICB (leather). Participating companies included Tupy, Embraer, Stefanini, Novelis, and Siemens Energy. State federations represented: FIEG (Goiás), FIEMG (Minas Gerais), FIEPB (Paraíba), FIEP (Paraná), FIRJAN (Rio de Janeiro), FIERN (Rio Grande do Norte), FIESC (Santa Catarina), and FIESP (São Paulo).