In a coordinated effort to protect and strengthen the presence of the natural stone sector in the United States market, Brazilian industrial and institutional bodies have executed a series of strategic moves in the capital, Brasília.
This mobilization is part of a structured “business diplomacy” strategy launched by the sector following the announcement of U.S. tariff measures in 2025. Since then, the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) has expanded its institutional footprint in Washington, seeking to shield a sector of vital importance to U.S. construction, as Brazilian marble, granite, and quartzite directly supply the supply chain for countertops and building cladding in the U.S.
Internal Alignment for a Strong Institutional Presence
The first major move took place during a working meeting between Centrorochas and the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) of Brazil. Centrorochas Vice President, Fábio Cruz, and Frederico Lamego, Executive Manager of International Relations at CNI, met with the aim of aligning their strategies amid ongoing discussions regarding tariffs and industrial competitiveness.
As Fábio Cruz stated, the need for a permanent and structured institutional presence on behalf of the sector became clear after a joint CNI and Centrorochas mission to Washington. The two organizations explored ways to deepen relations with U.S. stakeholders, as well as opportunities to engage institutions focused on investment and industrial financing, aiming for long-term initiatives.
Natural Stone at the “Strategic Minerals” Table
This internal preparation was immediately put into practice during the “Critical Minerals Dialogue in Brasília” forum. The event was organized by the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham Brasil), Citi, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, bringing together government officials, members of Congress, investors, and business leaders to discuss supply chain security.
Representing the sector, Centrorochas successfully placed the integration of natural stones onto the critical minerals agenda. Although participants agreed that natural stones are not identical to rare earth elements, their strategic importance was recognized due to their economic, export, and regional footprint.
Gabriel Escobar, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Brazil, confirmed Washington’s interest in broadening the dialogue with the Brazilian private sector around strategic industrial partnerships.
The Scientific and Legislative Dimension
Significant support for the sector’s agenda was provided by Federal Deputy Evair de Melo, who stressed that the debate on strategic minerals must be expanded. “When Brazil exports quartzite, granite, and marble, it is also exporting the minerals contained within these stones, such as lithium, mica, feldspar, quartz, and limestone.”
This position aligns directly with Bill No. 2,780/2024 (authored by Deputy Zé Silva and rapporteured by Arnaldo Jardim), which seeks to establish the National Policy for Critical and Strategic Minerals (PNMCE) in Brazil. The bill aims to broaden the definition of strategic resources to include materials that contribute to the trade surplus and regional development, even if they are not directly linked to the energy transition.
A Mature Step for Brazilian Industry
Participation in these bilateral discussions reflects the maturation of a political agenda aimed at strengthening the domestic industry and consolidating Brazil’s position in global value chains.
“Brazilian natural stones rightfully hold a place in discussions on strategic minerals,” concluded Fábio Cruz, pointing out that combining internal industrial alliance with international business diplomacy is the key to the future of the country’s exports.
