Record-Breaking June Brings Brazilian Natural Stone Exports Closer to 2025 Levels

Performance reduces first‑half deficit and signals a change in Brazil’s export mix, propelled by rising quartzite sales.

Vitória (Espírito Santo, Brazil), July 21, 2026 – In the first six months of 2026, Brazil’s natural stone sector recorded export earnings of US$ 711.1 million, which is 4.2 percent below the same period in 2025, according to figures released by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas). Although the cumulative result is negative, the industry experienced a notable turnaround during the second quarter, cutting much of the early‑year shortfall. This upward trend peaked in June, which posted the sector’s highest ever monthly export revenue at US$ 165.2 million – a 34.1 percent increase over June 2025.

The six‑month results also reveal a notable shift in the product mix of Brazil’s natural stone exports. Quartzites contributed 60.3 percent of total export value, amounting to US$ 428.5 million – up 6.7 percent versus the first half of 2025 and establishing a new record for the category. Conversely, traditional stones posted declines: granite fell 18.4 percent, marble dropped 26.7 percent, and slate slipped 7.0 percent.

The growing dominance of quartzites mirrors a transformation unfolding in global markets over recent years. Advances in processing technology and rising demand for high‑performance natural materials have positioned Brazilian quartzite as a premier choice for upscale architecture, interior design, and construction. Brazil’s competitive edge stems from its possession of some of the world’s largest quartzite deposits and a wide array of commercial varieties.

According to Tales Machado, President of the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), the surge in quartzite sales underscores how the nation’s rich geological diversity can be turned into a market advantage. “Brazil hosts more than 1,200 natural‑stone varieties, giving our industry the agility to meet shifting international demand. The rise of quartzites shows our capability to cultivate higher‑value markets while still investing in growth prospects for other minerals such as slate,” he remarked.

This approach is already materialising through fresh market‑intelligence initiatives. Via the sectoral programme “It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone,” a joint effort by Centrorochas and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), the association unveiled this month an unprecedented study of the French slate market. The goal is to strengthen Brazil’s foothold in France – the world’s leading consumer of natural roofing stone – where Brazil currently stands as the sixth‑largest supplier.

China Expands Its Role While the U.S. Remains the Leading Market
The United States continued to be the top destination for Brazilian natural stone exports, claiming 51.2 percent of total foreign sales with US$ 364.3 million in imports, despite a 14.4 percent dip compared to the first half of 2025. In contrast, China’s imports rose 32.8 percent to US$ 147.7 million, cementing its status as the fastest‑growing market for Brazilian natural stones.

In the rough‑stone segment, alongside China’s robust growth (+34.6 percent), buyers in India (+23.3 percent) and Poland (+33.7 percent) reached record volumes of Brazilian blocks, pointing to fresh opportunities for gradually broadening the industry’s global footprint.

The sector’s internationalisation plan will persist through the second half of the year. In August, during the Cachoeiro Stone Fair 2026, the “It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone” programme will organise a Business Matchmaking Round, convening five international buyers – from India, Mexico (two representatives), Poland, and the United Arab Emirates – alongside at least 15 Brazilian natural‑stone firms. This activity forms part of the programme’s strategy to generate new business prospects, reinforce established markets, and accelerate the entry of Brazilian natural stones into additional overseas destinations.