Brazil's natural stone export sector generated US$711.1 million in revenue during the first half of 2026 (Jan–June 2026), representing a slight decline of 4.2% compared to H1 2025, according to the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas). Despite the overall contraction, quartzite exports surged to a segment record of US$428.5 million, accounting for 60.3% of total industry revenue. This strong performance in quartzite contrasts sharply with declines across marble, granite, and slate categories. Furthermore, an additional 25% US import tariff took effect on July 22, 2026, creating a critical divide: Brazilian quartzite under HTSUS 6802.99.00 is exempt, while marble, granite, and slate remain subject to the duty.
Segment Divergence and June Revenue Spikes
The first-half trade data reveals a structural realignment within Brazil's natural stone export matrix. While quartzite shipments expanded by 6.7% year-over-year, traditional dimensional stones faced contraction. Granite exports fell by 18.4%, marble declined by 26.7%, and slate dropped by 7.0% compared to the same period in 2025. This robust performance highlights how quartzite has transitioned from a niche luxury specialty stone into the primary growth engine of Brazilian dimensional stone exports. As North American architects and commercial developers increasingly specify natural quartzite for high-end countertops and vertical feature walls, Brazilian quarries have expanded production capacity to meet sustained international demand. June 2026 provided a historic monthly peak, generating US$165.2 million in export revenue—a 34.1% increase compared to June 2025—marking the highest single-month export total in the Brazilian industry's history. The United States maintained its position as Brazil's primary export destination, consuming 51.2% of total stone export value in H1 2026. US buyers imported US$364.3 million in Brazilian natural stone during the six-month period, down 14.4% year-over-year from H1 2025, following a full-year 2025 total of US$795 million (approximately 587,000 metric tons).
The US 25% Tariff and HTSUS 6802.99.00 Exemption
The implementation of an additional 25% US import duty on July 22, 2026, applies to specified natural stone entries for consumption on or after that date. Significantly for trade channels, products classified under HTSUS subheading 6802.99.00—which covers Brazilian quartzites and select natural stones—are exempt from the new 25% tariff. However, marble, granite, and slate falling outside this subheading face the full 25% duty. Commenting on the trade ruling, Fábio Cruz, Vice President of Centrorochas, noted: "The decision preserves a significant share of Brazil's natural stone exports to the United States, particularly quartzites, while maintaining important challenges for segments such as marble, granite, and slate." Centrorochas President Tales Machado emphasized that Brazil's portfolio of over 1,200 commercial stone varieties provides the flexibility needed for exporters to adapt to changing trade rules.
Strategic Outlook for Importers
For international distributors and US sourcing managers, the tariff structure reinforces the market shift toward Brazilian quartzite. Because quartzite delivers the aesthetic appeal of marble alongside silicate hardness, its tariff exemption allows importers to maintain competitive pricing while avoiding duty surcharges on high-volume commercial and residential projects. Meanwhile, fabricators handling Brazilian granite and marble must evaluate margin adjustments or shift procurement focus toward exempt quartzite classifications. Furthermore, the tariff divergence is expected to influence freight patterns and factory investments across Brazil's primary stone-producing hubs, particularly in Espírito Santo. Processing yards that have traditionally focused on gang-sawing granite slabs are increasingly retooling their lines with high-capacity diamond wire saws and resin lines optimized for hard quartzite blocks. Sourcing managers should cross-reference technical specifications when selecting quartzite slabs to verify geological classification and confirm tariff code eligibility.
| Export Segment | H1 2026 Revenue / Share | YoY Change (H1 2026 vs H1 2025) | US 25% Tariff Status (Effective July 22, 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Stone Exports | US$711.1 million | −4.2% | Varies by product HTSUS code |
| Quartzite | US$428.5 million (60.3% of total) | +6.7% (Segment Record) | EXEMPT (HTSUS 6802.99.00) |
| Granite | Contracted segment share | −18.4% | SUBJECT to +25% Duty |
| Marble | Contracted segment share | −26.7% | SUBJECT to +25% Duty |
| Slate | Contracted segment share | −7.0% | SUBJECT to +25% Duty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Brazilian stone products are exempt from the new US 25% tariff?
Products classified under HTSUS subheading 6802.99.00, which includes Brazilian quartzites and certain specified natural stones, are exempt from the additional 25% US import duty that took effect on July 22, 2026.
How did Brazilian quartzite perform in H1 2026 compared to granite and marble?
Quartzite reached a segment record of US$428.5 million (+6.7% YoY), representing 60.3% of Brazil's total stone export value. In contrast, granite exports declined by 18.4%, marble fell by 26.7%, and slate dropped by 7.0%.
What share of Brazil's natural stone exports goes to the United States?
The United States accounted for 51.2% of Brazil's total natural stone export value in H1 2026, importing US$364.3 million in natural stone products during the six-month period.
Sources
SOURCES:
- StoneNews.eu — "Record-Breaking June Brings Brazilian Natural Stone Exports Closer to 2025 Levels" — StoneNews.eu
- StoneNews.eu — "U.S. Maintains Part of Brazilian Natural Stone Exports Outside New 25% Tariff…" — StoneNews.eu