Created to give a boost to the sectors sales, the trade fair achieved its goals in terms of turnover and outdid itself in terms of the expected number of visitors, attracting buyers from the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Italy, Spain, France, Australia, Chile, Argentina, China and Pakistan.

Last year, the ceramics, marble and granite sectors had a joint turnover of $4.4 billion, and generated more than $500 million in export sales. With exports forecast at $650 million in 2003, the sector will this year account for 1% of Brazil's total exports. The market is predicting that it will break through the $1 billion barrier in exports by 2005.

Next year's Revestir has already been confirmed for March 9 to 13, once again being held at the Transam¿ca ExpoCenter in Sao Paulo. Next year, the pavilion will be approximately 20% larger, and around 90% of its floor space has already been booked in advance.