Responses
Greater Variety of Natural Stones of the World are in Brazil
American companies blame foreign competitors, among other things, of practicing dumping in United States. Recently, Brazil was quoted and indicated for overpricing the rates of incoming foreign products in its country.
The tax relation in the negotiations between Brazil and USA happens in both ways. There is taxation both on American products entering the Brazilian market and the other way around. Currently, American importers of Brazilian stone pay import duties that go from 2.5% to 6.5% when buying natural-stone slabs (including the quartzites). Brazilian importers face import taxes on U.S. marble, granite, quartzite and soapstone slabs that go from 6% to 8%.
Known for its exceptional geodiversity, Brazil is not an large importer of natural stone. In 2018, the business transactions closed at US $40.4 million in imported products against US $992.5 million in exports, according to the Brazilian Center of Exporters of Natural Stones (Centrorochas).
The United States, China and Italy are the leaders when it relates to demanding Brazilian stones. Several factors contribute to the success of these materials on the international picture. The diversity of products, their beauty and refinement meet the tastes of consumers worldwide.
The acceptance of Brazilian products on the international market is big. Highlighting the so-called exotic stones, of high added value, that today constitute an important group of Brazilian products being exported.
The acceptance of Brazilian products on the international market is big. Highlighting the so-called exotic stones, of high added value, that today constitute an important group of Brazilian products being exported.
Brazil is the fourth-biggest producer of natural stones in the world, being responsible for 7% of the worldwide production. The international trade is currently insecure, but it is important to understand that globalization created a new market situation.
This phenomenon is dynamic and is being boosted by the competition and the consumer behavior. Besides that, each country has their own resources to be shared and policies to be respected.
Fabio Cruz
PBA Stones
Calogi, Brazil
Editor's note: Mr. Cruz is speaking about specific product import tariffs in Brazil. In addition, all products entering Brazil also pay a state sales tax -- ICMS -- of 17%-19% (depending on where goods will be delivered in the country).
ICMS is charged on ALL goods, imported and domestic, in Brazil. For imports, the sales tax is collected at the port-of-entry, along with the 6%-8% itariff on natural-stone varieties. Stone quarried in Brazil is assessed the same ICMS sales-tax rate during production/fabrication within the country.