Stone Sector Celebrates Quartzite Tariff Exemption, But Maintains Pressure to Expand the List of Duty-Free Materials

OFFICIAL STATEMENT

Vitória, Brazil – July 31, 2025

Stone Sector Celebrates Quartzite Tariff Exemption, But Maintains Pressure to Expand the List of Duty-Free Materials

Brazilian quartzite escapes the 50% tariff after negotiations led by Centrorochas, but mobilization continues for the inclusion of other stones such as granite, marble, and slate.

As a direct result of the efforts initiated by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) since the tariff was announced on July 9, Brazilian quartzite – the sector’s main export product – has been included in the list of exemptions from the additional 40% tariff imposed by the United States on Brazilian products. The technical classification benefiting from this measure, HTSUS 6802.99.00 – “Worked monumental or building stone, nesoi,” covers quartzite, a material that accounted for approximately 50% of Brazilian natural stone exports to the U.S. market in 2024.

The confirmation was received with relief and a sense of progress by the sector, which sees the decision as recognition of the strategic importance of natural stone to the U.S. construction supply chain. With applications ranging from countertops to high-end cladding, Brazilian stones are valued for their durability, unique aesthetics, and growing international demand.

Despite this achievement, the sector’s mobilization continues. Centrorochas, in partnership with U.S. entities such as the Natural Stone Institute (NSI) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), remains in negotiations to expand the exemption list to include other Brazilian natural stones, such as granite, marble, slate, and soapstone – all widely used by the U.S. industry and without viable substitutes in U.S. domestic production.

Negotiations remain active and will see new developments during the official agenda scheduled for this Friday (August 1) at the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, where a joint letter will be delivered to NSI and NAHB requesting support for the inclusion of additional tariff codes (HTSUS) covering Brazilian-origin natural stones. The goal is to protect jobs, contracts, and investments in both countries.

“The sector is united, acting with responsibility, strategy, and dialogue. The partial exemption was progress, but we need to ensure that the entire supply chain understands the impacts of the measure and is prepared for the next steps,” reinforces Tales Machado, president of Centrorochas.

Confirmed Presence and Representation

The event will bring together around 20 participants, including representatives from the Brazilian industry, Embassy members, local press guests, and leaders from major U.S. organizations. Confirmed Brazilian participants include Cosentino, Emerstones, Magban, Milanezi Granitos, and Santo Antonio, as well as the president of Anfacer (National Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers), Maurício Borges.

On the U.S. side, participants include representatives from:

• NAHB – National Association of Home Builders
• NSI – Natural Stone Institute
• ISFA – International Surface Fabricators Association
• MSI – the largest natural stone importer in the United States
• Cosentino North America – one of the sector’s leading global brands

Concerning Data

The sector’s concern over maintaining the tariff is supported by alarming technical data. A preliminary NAHB report indicates that the new measure could significantly raise the cost of residential construction in the U.S. and jeopardize ongoing contracts.

Key facts of the current scenario:

• 85% of the natural stone consumed in the U.S. is imported;
• Brazil is the leading supplier, with 22.6% of imports, followed by Italy (19.1%);
• Brazilian materials dominate the residential countertop segment, with no equivalent geological alternatives in the U.S.;
• More than 200,000 direct U.S. jobs could be affected;
• Existing contracts do not allow for cost adjustments to absorb the additional tariff.

Centrorochas: Active Institutional Presence

Recognized as the representative entity of Brazil’s stone export sector, Centrorochas brings together more than 230 member and supported companies. It works strategically alongside international organizations such as NSI (U.S.), Confindustria Marmomacchine (Italy), Assimagra (Portugal), and IMMIB (Turkey), and is responsible for the international promotion program It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, conducted in partnership with ApexBrasil.

The association remains firmly committed to ensuring predictability, competitiveness, and the international presence of Brazilian natural stones.