The rocks are the fifth largest mineral-based product exported by Brazil, standing behind the iron ore, copper ore, gold and ferroniobium. Business transactions exceeding US$ 5 billion in the internal and external markets and we are the main supplier for the US market (US$ 792,2 million exported). We are World´s best and largest plate producer (capacity of 93 million square meters/year), with 320 multiwire diamond looms in operation (100 domestic manufacturing looms).

According to a study published by the Brazilian Association for Ornamental Rocks Industry (ABIROCHAS), Brazilian production in 2015 is estimated at 9.5 million tons of ornamental rocks, which is equivalent to 7% of World production.

There are more than 1200 commercial varieties marketed on internal and external markets, 1,500 active quarries, 10 thousand companies acting in the productive chain, 120 thousand direct jobs in the sector, with a production capacity of 50 million square meters/year of simple-processing rocks. Domestic consumption hit 70.3 million square meters, including simple and special processing of rocks.

Exports reached US$ 1.21 billion (6% of the world total gross) and 2,32 million tones (5% of the world total gross), with a balance of exported assets around US$ 1.17 billion in the trade balance of rocks industry. 22.6 million square meters of granite and similar in plates (2 cm thick) are exported. There are at least 400 exporting companies (sales abroad to over 100 countries).

THE SIZE OF THE BRAZILIAN SECTOR OF ORNAMENTAL ROCKS - 2015

• Estimated production of 9.5 million tones of Ornamental rocks (7% of World production);
• 1,200 varieties sold in domestic and foreign markets;
• 1,500 active quarries;
• 10,000 companies working in the production chain;
• 120,000 direct jobs in the sector;
• Production capacity of 50 million square meters/year of simple processing of rocks;
• Domestic consumption of 70.3 million square meters, including single and special processing of rocks;
• USD 1.21 billion (6% of the world total gross) and 2.32 million tons (5% of world total gross) exported;
• Balance of USD 1.17 billion in the trade balance of the stone sector;
• Exports 22.6 million equivalent square meters of granite and similar in plates (2 cm thick);
• At least 400 exporting companies (sales abroad to over 100 countries);
• Fifth largest mineral-based product exported by Brazil, standing behind the iron ore, copper ore, gold and ferroniobium;
• Business transactions over $ 5 billion in domestic and foreign markets;
• Major supplier to the US market (USD 792.2 million exported);
• Biggest and better world producer of plates (capacity of 93 million square meters/year);
• 320 multiwire diamond looms in operation (100 domestic manufacturing looms).

Source: ABIROCHAS