New U.S. Tariffs on Brazilian Stone: What You Need to Know

New Tariff Landscape for Brazilian Stone

The United States trade environment for Brazilian natural stone has undergone a significant shift following the conclusion of a Section 301 investigation. As of July 22, 2026, a new 25% additional tariff applies to many Brazilian stone products entering the U.S. market. This measure is the result of a long-standing investigation into various trade practices.

Crucially, the final determination provides an exemption for products classified under HTSUS subheading 6802.99.00. This classification primarily covers Brazilian quartzites, which have become the leading export product for the sector. However, other major categories including granite, marble, and slate do not qualify for this exemption and are now subject to the new duty.

The situation is further complicated by a second, separate Section 301 action that took effect on July 24, 2026. This measure targets countries deemed to have insufficient enforcement against forced labor, adding a 12.5% duty to Brazilian stone. Consequently, granite, marble, and slate now face a cumulative 37.5% in additional duties, while quartzite remains subject only to the 12.5% rate.

Impact on the Supply Chain

The Brazilian natural stone industry is deeply integrated with the U.S. market, with nearly all exports consisting of semi-finished slabs. These materials serve as essential inputs for American fabricators, distributors, and installers. Industry representatives, including the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) and the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), have argued that these tariffs do not protect domestic production but instead increase costs for U.S. businesses and consumers.

The impact is particularly felt by small and medium-sized companies that rely on a steady supply of these materials. With granite and marble facing higher costs, the market is seeing a structural realignment. Quartzite, already a major growth engine for Brazilian exports, is becoming even more central to trade as importers seek to avoid the higher tariff tiers. Processing facilities in Brazil are also adjusting, with some retooling production lines to focus more heavily on quartzite blocks to meet this shifting demand.

Strategic Responses for Industry Professionals

For importers and sourcing managers, the immediate priority is to verify the HTSUS classification of all incoming Brazilian materials. Understanding which products fall under the 6802.99.00 exemption is vital for accurate cost forecasting and project bidding. Fabricators should evaluate their current procurement strategies, as the price gap between exempt quartzites and taxed granite or marble has widened significantly.

Exporters and trade associations continue to engage with U.S. authorities to advocate for the industry. Centrorochas has emphasized that long-term institutional engagement is necessary to navigate these challenges. Professionals are encouraged to stay informed through industry associations and to participate in discussions regarding trade policy. As the trade environment remains volatile, maintaining flexibility in sourcing and focusing on value-added products are recommended strategies for mitigating risk.

Market Context and Future Outlook

The United States remains the primary destination for Brazilian stone, accounting for over half of the sector's export value. Despite the recent tariff developments, the industry has shown resilience. In the first half of 2026, Brazil exported over US$711 million in natural stone, with quartzite reaching record revenue levels. This performance highlights the sector's ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Looking ahead, the industry faces a landscape where trade policy is a constant factor. The recent tariff actions underscore the importance of diversification and operational efficiency. While the current focus is on managing the impact of the new duties, the long-term goal for many in the sector remains the restoration of competitiveness for traditional materials like granite and marble. Continued dialogue between Brazilian exporters and U.S. partners will be essential for maintaining the stability of the supply chain in the coming months.

Key takeaways

• Brazilian quartzite remains exempt from the new 25% tariff under HTSUS subheading 6802.99.00.
• Granite, marble, and slate now face a cumulative 37.5% additional duty due to stacked Section 301 actions.
• Importers and fabricators should verify HTSUS codes for all Brazilian stone to confirm tariff eligibility.
• The U.S. remains the largest export market for Brazilian stone, necessitating close monitoring of trade policy and supply chain costs.

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Sources

• Why Designers Love Stone Fruit Colors for Summer Decorating, bhg.com, Jul 24, 2026
• CTASC.comU.S. Maintains Part of Brazilian Natural Stone Exports Outside New 25% Tariff, but Measure Will Still Affect the Sector, ctasc.com, Jul 23, 2026
• Two Section 301 Actions Stack Tariffs on Brazilian Stone, stoneworld.com, Aug 24, 2026
• Brazil Stone Exports H1 2026: Quartzite Record, stonetrades.com, Jul 27, 2026
• U.S. Tariff Hiked on Most Brazil Stone Types, radiostoneupdate.com, Jul 21, 2026
• Brazilian Natural Stone Industry Calls for Tariff…, centrorochas.org.br, Jul 7, 2026
• Brazil: Granite and Marble, the Natural Stone Products with the Greatest Growth Potential, Are the Most Affected by the New U.S. Tariff, stonenews.eu, Jul 29, 2026
• Natural Stone Market Tariff Update, stonetrades.com, Mar 21, 2026

This article was researched and drafted with AI from the sources listed above. Check the original sources before acting on any regulatory detail.