The Brazilian natural stone sector achieved a significant victory in its battle against punitive U.S. tariffs, securing an exemption for quartzite exports while warning that American homebuyers could face cost increases exceeding $10,900 per new home without broader relief measures.

Representatives from the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) delivered a formal letter to U.S. construction industry leaders at Brazil's Washington on August 1, marking the latest effort in their campaign against the 40% additional tariff imposed on Brazilian imports announced July 9.

The breakthrough came with confirmation that quartzite—classified under HTSUS code 6802.99.00—would be exempt from the tariffs. This category represents approximately 50% of Brazil's natural stone exports to the United States in 2024, providing substantial relief for both Brazilian exporters and American construction companies dependent on the material for high-end finishes.

"The letter emphasizes the need to expand the exemption list to include materials such as marble, granite, and slate, which are all widely used by the U.S. industry and have no viable domestic substitutes," said Fábio Cruz, vice president of Centrorochas.

Economic Impact Concerns Mount

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has raised alarm about the tariffs' potential economic consequences. Preliminary data suggests the measures could add an average of $10,900 to every new home construction project in the United States, threatening to exacerbate an already challenging housing affordability crisis.

The timing is particularly concerning given existing market pressures. Construction material costs have surged 41.6% over the five years since the pandemic began—nearly doubling the cumulative inflation rate of 21.9% during the same period. NAHB estimates that approximately 7% of all building materials used in new residential construction in 2024 originated from foreign countries.

The tariff threat extends beyond cost concerns to employment impacts. Industry analysts warn that maintaining the full tariff structure poses direct risks to more than 200,000 American jobs spanning manufacturers, distributors, and installers in the natural stone sector. The rigidity of existing contracts and lack of alternative suppliers compound these challenges.

Diplomatic and Industry Alignment

The embassy ceremony brought together Brazilian company representatives, local authorities, and institutional partners, including Maurício Borges, President of Anfacer (Brazilian Association of Ceramic Tile Manufacturers). The event demonstrated growing alignment between Brazilian exporters and American industry groups around the shared goal of tariff relief.

The joint letter, signed by Centrorochas, NAHB, and the Natural Stone Institute, represents an unusual coalition bridging international trade interests with domestic construction industry concerns. This collaboration aims to engage the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in recognizing the importance of maintaining trade flows while avoiding negative impacts on jobs and investments in both countries.

Broader Trade Implications

Centrorochas, which represents more than 230 associated companies in Brazil's natural stone export sector, maintains strategic partnerships with international organizations, including the Natural Stone Institute (USA), Confindustria Marmomacchine (Italy), Assimagra (Portugal), and IMMIB (Turkey). The association also leads the "It's Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone" international promotion program in partnership with ApexBrasil.

While the quartzite exemption provides immediate relief for a significant portion of Brazilian stone exports, the campaign for broader exemptions continues. Industry leaders on both sides of the trade relationship emphasize that marble, granite, and slate remain essential materials for American construction projects, with limited domestic alternatives available to replace Brazilian imports.

The outcome of ongoing negotiations between Brazilian industry representatives and U.S. trade officials could significantly impact both countries' construction sectors and housing markets in the months ahead.