Stone Core 2026 brings together industry leaders to discuss the impacts of the international landscape and expansion opportunities for Brazilian natural stones

The event will take place in Vitória, Espírito Santo, and will highlight the effects of ongoing tariff discussions in the United States, trade agreements, and strategies to strengthen the presence of Brazilian companies in domestic and international markets.

The Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) will hold the third edition of Stone Core on June 16 in Vitória, Espírito Santo. The event brings together business leaders and executives from Brazil’s natural stone industry to discuss strategic issues shaping the sector’s future and competitiveness.

Under the theme “Strategic Vision: Trends and Expansion Opportunities”, the 2026 edition was designed to address the key factors shaping the business environment for companies in the natural stone industry, covering everything from domestic market challenges and opportunities to global trends, market intelligence, competitiveness, international trade, and growth prospects.

At a time marked by significant changes in the global economic landscape and ongoing discussions regarding new tariff measures in the United States, the program will also explore the potential impacts of these developments on Brazilian companies, as well as opportunities related to market access, new trade agreements, and the strengthening of the sector’s international presence.

Held previously in Vitória and Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, the first two editions of Stone Core brought together approximately 160 participants, including business leaders and executives from Brazil’s natural stone industry. Over this period, Stone Core has established itself as a platform for dialogue, alignment, and the development of strategic agendas for the sector.

Centrorochas President Tales Machado will present an overview of the association’s key initiatives and strategies aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the natural stone industry. His presentation will provide updates on ongoing actions, market intelligence initiatives, international promotion efforts, and institutional advocacy activities.

Tariffs and the International Landscape

The panel “Global Scenario and International Competitiveness,” led by Centrorochas Vice President Fábio Cruz, will examine the potential impacts of the tariff measures currently under discussion in the United States, their possible effects on Brazilian natural stone exports, and alternatives for expanding the sector’s presence in strategic markets.

The event will also feature updates on institutional and trade promotion initiatives carried out through It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, the export promotion program developed by Centrorochas in partnership with ApexBrasil (the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency), as well as the presentation of the results of the industry maturity survey conducted by EMEG Consulting.

Turning Opportunities into Growth

Another topic on the agenda will be Mercosur’s evolving trade agenda. In the presentation “Between Agreements and Opportunities: How the Natural Stone Industry Can Position Itself in Mercosur’s New Trade Agenda,” economist Felipe Storch will discuss how trade agreements currently under negotiation or implementation involving the European Union, EFTA, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates may create new opportunities for Brazilian companies.

Reinforcing one of Stone Core’s core principles – connecting strategic discussions with real business experiences – the event will also feature Luís Cordeiro, founder and chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Estel and Placas do Brasil. During his presentation, he will share insights on how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for expansion, market positioning, and value creation.

Paulo Roberto da Silva, ApexBrasil’s Industry and Services Coordinator, will lead the session “Promoting the Best of Brazil to the World.” During the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the initiatives developed by Brazil’s trade and investment promotion agency to support exports and enhance the visibility of Brazilian products and services in international markets.

“The current environment requires a shift in mindset. In an increasingly dynamic market, it is no longer enough to simply follow developments – it is essential to understand where the market is heading. Companies that are able to anticipate trends, identify opportunities, and position themselves strategically will gain a significant competitive advantage in the years ahead. This is precisely the kind of reflection that Stone Core seeks to encourage by bringing together the leading voices of Brazil’s natural stone industry,” said Centrorochas President Tales Machado.

Stone Core 2026 will take place at the Comfort Suites Vitória Hotel and is exclusively open to Centrorochas members. The event is supported by companies that believe in the growth and development of Brazil’s natural stone industry, with sponsorship from Milanez & Milaneze, a VeronaFiere Group company, Speed Comex, Sicoob Credirochas, and Tipz.

Full Program

09:30 a.m. – Registration and Welcome Breakfast

10:00 a.m. – Opening Remarks, with Tales Machado (President, Centrorochas)

10:20 a.m. – Global Scenario and International Competitiveness, with Fábio Cruz (Vice President, Centrorochas)

11:00 a.m. – Q&A Session

11:20 a.m. – Strategic Updates on the Sectoral Program, with Fábio Cruz (Vice President, Centrorochas)

12:00 p.m. – Lunch

01:30 p.m. – Market Intelligence and Industry Maturity, with EMEG Consulting

02:45 p.m. – Panel: Between Agreements and Opportunities, with Felipe Storch (Economist, Fucape Business School Professor, and Chief Economist at IBEF-ES)

03:30 p.m. – Coffee Break

04:00 p.m. – Placas do Brasil: Building Competitive Advantages Together, with Luís Cordeiro (Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Estel and Placas do Brasil)

05:00 p.m. – ApexBrasil: Promoting the Best of Brazil to the World, with Paulo Roberto da Silva (ApexBrasil)

05:40 p.m. – Perspectives on International Promotion, with Fábio Cruz (Centrorochas) and Franko Beainy (The Marble Master)

06:30 p.m. – Closing Remarks