More than 30 architects, designers, and representatives from the U.S. construction industry took part in the event, which was also attended by the Brazilian Ambassador in Washington, D.C.
On May 6, the Official Residence of the Embassy of Brazil in the United States hosted the first international initiative on the schedule of the natural stone industry leading up to KBIS 2027 (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show), North America’s premier trade show focused on the kitchen, bath, and interior design industries. “Brazil Stone Experience – Washington DC Edition” brought together architects, designers, specifiers, and representatives from the construction industry for an evening dedicated to bringing the U.S. market and the Brazilian natural stone industry closer together.
Organized by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil), through the sectoral project It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, the meeting was attended by the Brazilian Ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, and the vice-president of Centrorochas, Fábio Cruz. The latter presented an overview of the sector and highlighted the advancement of Brazilian natural stones in the international market, especially in the United States.
The choice of the Official Residence of the Embassy of Brazil in the capital of the United States reflects the strengthening of the business diplomacy work carried out by the sector since the announcement of customs tariffs in July 2025. “Even after the elimination of the additional tariffs imposed last year, the United States is still the main market for Brazilian natural stones. Thus, it is essential for us to continuously work on positioning, expanding the presence and specification of Brazilian materials, especially in the high-end segment,” Fábio Cruz highlighted.
As part of the schedule, guests participated in a prize draw for an immersive experience in Brazil during Cachoeiro Stone Fair 2026, the leading trade fair in the industry in Latin America, which will take place from August 25 to 27 in the city of Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (in the state of Espírito Santo), the main Brazilian hub for natural stones. The winner was Sarah Wilson, an interior designer at Chansaerae Design Firm. She will take part in an immersive program that comprises visits to the fair, quarries, and manufacturing companies in Espírito Santo.
Centrorochas’ delegation also included Thiago Fukuda, the manager of the sectoral project It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, and Karina Porto-Firme, the head of institutional communication for the organization. The meeting also brought together two Brazilian companies, Milanezi Granitos and Santo Antonio Stones, represented by Ladiani Milanezi and Juliana Tessarolo, respectively.
About It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone
It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone is an export promotion program developed by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). The program aims to encourage and increase exports of Brazilian natural stones, through a set of strategic internationalization actions with initiatives geared towards promotion, strengthening of the image and development of the industry in the global market. Companies interested in being part of the project must visit https://podio.com/webforms/26378838/1995038 to register for free.
About Centrorochas
The Brazilian Natural Stone Association is active in all national demands to increase the competitiveness of the natural stone industry. The organization acts directly by providing support in the procedures related to the presence of Brazilian entrepreneurs abroad, along with commercial and operational activities for the development and evolution of Brazilian companies.
About ApexBrasil
The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) works to promote Brazilian products and services abroad and to attract foreign investment to strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy. To achieve these objectives, the Agency carries out several trade promotion activities aimed at promoting exports and valuing Brazilian products and services abroad. They include prospective and trade missions, rounds of negotiations, support for the participation of Brazilian companies in major international fairs, and visits of foreign buyers and opinion formers to learn about the Brazilian production structure, among other business platforms that also aim to strengthen the Brazil brand. The Agency also works in coordination with public and private actors to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to Brazil, focusing on strategic sectors, aiming at the development of competitiveness of Brazilian companies and of the country.
