During the meetings, the representatives of the industry highlighted that Brazil complements, instead of competing with, the U.S. domestic sector: while the U.S. produces materials focused on flooring, facades and public works, Brazil supplies semi-finished stones, widely used as kitchen and bathroom countertops, creating employment and generating income within the U.S. market itself.

Other topics were also addressed, such as the additional tariffs imposed on Brazilian products, the importance of including granites and marbles on the list of exceptions and the advancement of safe practices to prevent silica exposure during stone processing – a topic that is particularly relevant in the state of California.

The schedule included meetings with the Council of the Americas (AS/COA) and the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), where opportunities for nearshoring and Brazil-USA productive integration were discussed, as well as participation in the conference Forecast on Latin America and the Caribbean, promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Subsequently, Centrorochas participated in Bond Custom, held in Florida. The event brought together architects and designers specializing in high-end residences. Over two days, 24 presentations about Brazilian natural stones were given to more than 60 professionals, highlighting their geological diversity and applications in contemporary projects. “This mission demonstrated that there is room to expand the use of Brazilian natural stone in the U.S., especially due to its quality, consistent supply, and value added to the U.S. market,” said Cruz.

International progress turns into strategic action

The international schedule in the U.S. will be further developed and turned into planning during the 2nd edition of Stone Core, a strategic meeting for the natural stone industry that will take place on November 7th and 8th in the city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (in the state of Espírito Santo).

The event will bring together business leaders from all over Brazil, experts in economics, logistics and tax policy, and representatives of the government of Espírito Santo, the largest exporting state in the country. They will discuss:

• International scenarios for 2026
• Business environment and competitiveness
• Tax reform and its impacts on the industry
• Pathways for institutional strengthening and ongoing business diplomacy

Schedule

November 7 (Friday)

1:30 p.m. – Reception

2:00 p.m. – Opening remarks: Tales Machado, President of Centrorochas

2:10 p.m. – Business Environment in Brazil and Logistics Structure: how sectors are organizing to gain efficiency, with the participation of Léo de Castro, Vice President of CNI and Honorary President of Findes; Júlio Cesar Lourenço, Commercial Director of Portocel; and Gustavo Serrão, CEO of VPORTS

4:00 p.m. – Coffee break

4:20 p.m. – Port Logistics 2026 – Porto Imetame and ZPE Aracruz, with Anderson Carvalho, Director of Porto Imetame

5:15 p.m. – Centrorochas – Open Board Meeting, presenting the 2025 actions and 2026 planning

6:15 p.m. – Closing

7:00 p.m. – Cocktail reception at Origem Restaurant

November 8 (Saturday)

9:00 a.m. – Sectoral initiatives integrated through Sindirochas, Cetemag, and Rochativa

9:30 a.m. – Centrorochas Presentation, with Fábio Cruz, Vice President of the association

10:00 a.m. – Special participation: Ilson Hulle, Director of Corporate Strategies at AD Ports Group (Abu Dhabi Port)

10:30 a.m. – Brunch

11:00 a.m. – Panel: Impacts of the Tax Reform on the Natural Stone Sector, with the participation of Bruno Aguilar, State Tax Auditor; Luiz Cláudio Fardin, Tax Consultant; and Henrique Tavares, Tax Consultant and President of the 2nd Subsection of the OAB

2:00 p.m. – Closing