Performance narrows first-half losses and confirms a shift in Brazil’s export mix, driven by the continued growth of quartzites.
Vitória (Espírito Santo, Brazil), July 21, 2026 – Brazil’s natural stone industry closed the first half of 2026 with US$ 711.1 million in exports, a result 4.2% lower than in the same period last year, according to data released by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas). Despite the negative cumulative result, the sector showed a significant recovery throughout the second quarter, substantially reducing the losses recorded at the beginning of the year. This trend culminated in June, which posted the highest monthly export revenue in the industry’s history, totaling US$ 165.2 million, an increase of 34.1% compared to June 2025.
The first-half performance also highlights a significant shift in the composition of Brazil’s natural stone exports. Quartzites accounted for 60.3% of the sector’s total export revenue, reaching US$ 428.5 million, up 6.7% compared to the first half of 2025 and setting a new record for the segment. By contrast, traditional materials recorded declines, including granite (-18.4%), marble (-26.7%), and slate (-7.0%).
The consolidation of quartzites reflects a transformation that has taken place in the international market over the past few years. Driven by advances in processing technologies and growing demand for high-performance natural materials, Brazilian quartzite has become one of the most valued materials for high-end architecture, interior design, and construction projects. Brazil holds a unique competitive advantage by concentrating some of the world’s largest quartzite reserves and one of the broadest commercial varieties of this material.
According to Tales Machado, President of the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), the growth of quartzites highlights the Brazilian industry’s ability to transform its exceptional geodiversity into a competitive advantage. “Brazil is home to more than 1,200 varieties of natural stone, and this diversity has enabled our industry to respond quickly to changing international demand. The growth of quartzites demonstrates our ability to develop markets for higher value-added products while continuing to invest in expanding opportunities for other minerals, such as slate,” he said.
This strategy is already being translated into new market intelligence initiatives. Through the sectoral project It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, developed by Centrorochas in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), the association presented this month an unprecedented market study on the French slate industry. The initiative aims to expand Brazil’s presence in France, currently the world’s largest consumer market for natural roofing stone, where Brazil still ranks as the sixth-largest supplier.
China Expands Its Role While the U.S. Remains the Leading Market
The United States remained the leading destination for Brazilian natural stone exports, accounting for 51.2% of total foreign sales, with US$364.3 million in imports, despite a 14.4% decline compared to the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, China increased its imports by 32.8%, reaching US$147.7 million and consolidating its position as the fastest-growing market for Brazilian natural stones.
In the rough stone segment, alongside China’s strong growth (+34.6%), markets such as India (+23.3%) and Poland (+33.7%) reached record levels of imports of Brazilian blocks, signaling new opportunities for the gradual expansion of the industry’s international presence.
The sector’s internationalization agenda will continue throughout the second half of the year. In August, during the Cachoeiro Stone Fair 2026, the sectoral project It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone will host a Business Matchmaking Round, bringing together five international buyers, from India, Mexico (two buyers), Poland, and the United Arab Emirates, with at least 15 Brazilian natural stone companies. The initiative is part of the project’s strategy to expand business opportunities, strengthen established markets, and accelerate the presence of Brazilian natural stones in new international destinations.
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