Majority of stone exporters register high sales in August and optimism for September

Growth was recorded in August this year, compared to the previous year in a survey carried out by Centrorochas and Sindirochas. The companies also spoke about expectations for September.

In a new consultation with companies to monitor the impacts of the pandemic on the ornamental stone sector, the Brazilian Center for Ornamental Stone Exporters (Centrorochas) and Sindirochas (Union of Dimension Stone, Lime and Limestone Industries of the State of Espírito Santo) record expectations of growth in September in the internal (62%) and external (71%) markets. In the survey, 21% of companies indicated that they have hiring plans this month.

The optimism of companies is justified by the figures for August this year compared to last year. Half of those operating in the domestic market recorded growth, another 37% pointed to stability in the period evaluated. Already 66% of the companies operating in the foreign market registered an increase and, 21%, stability. The consultation was carried out between the 1st and 6th of September and heard companies located in all regions of Espírito Santo: South, Metropolitan, Central and North.

Among the participating establishments, 41% indicated that they have operated at full production capacity, however, about 30% reported that this use is above 80%. Only 7% said they have operated below half of their possibilities. Despite the productive potential of the majority, more than 70% of the companies indicated that there are difficulties in producing. The main one is the lack of skilled labor.

There are different realities for companies of the same size, activities developed and the market in which they operate, but the collection of information carried out by the two entities points to an optimistic scenario, with points that need to be worked on so that economic development does not occur. Click here to access the entire material.