New Study Measures the Economic Impact of Brazil’s Natural Stone Industry

Brazil’s natural stone industry now has a new source of strategic industry intelligence. Launched on Tuesday (November 3), the Brazilian Natural Stone Industry Overview provides data on the industry's value chain, its geographic distribution across the country, and its economic impact. The publication is an initiative of the Brazilian Center of Natural Stone Exporters (Centrorochas), sponsored by Sebrae and technically developed by the Findes Observatory.

In addition to consolidating industry data, the report presents new estimates that provide a clearer understanding of the sector’s contribution to job creation and wealth generation in Brazil. Its findings offer valuable insights to support business planning, public policymaking, and industry advocacy efforts.

During the opening session in Vitória, Centrorochas President Tales Machado emphasized the importance of having reliable, up-to-date information to represent the industry effectively before government authorities. According to Machado, the publication addresses a longstanding need for data that demonstrates the sector’s economic significance and supports strategic discussions.

Espírito Santo plays a central role in Brazil’s natural stone industry, accounting for approximately 80% of the country’s exports. However, this leading position also comes with challenges to the competitiveness of the state’s production cluster. During the launch, Sindirochas President Bismark Bachiete addressed logistics costs, international competition, and the need to diversify export markets, emphasizing the importance of strategic information to guide the sector’s development.

Representing Paulo Baraona, President of the Espírito Santo Federation of Industries (Findes), Marília Silva, Executive Manager of the Findes Observatory, emphasized the industry’s contribution to job creation, export earnings, and regional development.

Economic Impact Beyond Production

The findings were presented by Carolina Ferreira, Strategic Studies Manager at the Findes Observatory. The data show that Brazil ranks fourth worldwide in natural stone production and fifth in exports. In 2025, the country’s natural stone exports reached US$1.48 billion.

Nationally, Espírito Santo accounts for 38.1% of the country’s gross natural stone production, with Ceará and Minas Gerais also standing out as major producing states.

Beyond production and foreign trade indicators, the Brazilian Natural Stone Industry Overview measures the economic contribution of the industry’s value chain. The study identifies natural stone industry activities across all regions of Brazil, with a direct presence in 2,206 municipalities.

To develop the publication, the Findes Observatory compiled information from official sources, studies, and reports, supplemented by interviews with business leaders and industry experts. The report also maps the industry's geographic distribution and addresses challenges related to infrastructure and international trade.

Market Outlook

Economist Orlando Caliman presented an analysis of the industry’s economic impact and market strategies. He highlighted the development of Espírito Santo’s natural stone industry, its strong presence in international markets, and the importance of assessing both established markets and new business opportunities.

Following his presentation, Centrorochas Vice President Fábio Cruz discussed the market intelligence initiatives developed by the association in partnership with ApexBrasil, as well as its advocacy efforts in the United States, including industry mobilization related to ongoing discussions on silica.

The launch marked the first partnership between Centrorochas and Sebrae. In addition to the printed edition distributed to attendees, the Brazilian Natural Stone Industry Overview is available online for viewing and download here. Later in November, the Centrorochas website will also feature an interactive platform where users can explore industry indicators, with data updated periodically.

The event brought together business leaders, industry representatives, and government officials, including Celso Guerra, Espírito Santo’s Undersecretary for Economic Development, representing Governor Ricardo Ferraço; Simone Garcia, Superintendent of Fetransportes; and Iramaya Sepulcre Salaroli, Regional Manager of the National Mining Agency (ANM) in Espírito Santo.