Sectoral study outlines pathways to expand Brazil’s presence in the largest import market for the product in the world
The third-largest slate exporter in the world, Brazil still accounts for just 0.6% of imports into France, the largest global buyer of this type of natural stone. The potential to expand Brazil’s presence in this market is a key highlight of the Market Study on France, designed for the Brazilian slate sector. The study identifies opportunities to increase Brazil’s market share in the European country.
The survey was presented to companies supported by It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, a sectoral project developed by the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas) in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil). The technical work was carried out by the consultancy Orbiz, which specializes in market intelligence.
In 2025, Brazil exported US$ 50.4 million worth of natural slate, totaling over 112 thousand metric tons. The state of Minas Gerais accounted for 99% of this total, cementing its position as Brazil’s primary producer and exporter for the segment.
Currently, the United Kingdom is the main destination for Brazilian slate, receiving 48.7% of national exports. France, on the other hand, represents a largely untapped opportunity. The country relies heavily on foreign supply. There is consistent demand for the material, particularly for architectural roofing, restorations of historic buildings, and contemporary projects.
“The study shows us that penetrating the French market requires more than just competitive pricing. It outlines technical requirements, certifications, distribution channels, buyers, specifiers, competitors, events, and specialized media outlets, providing Brazilian companies with a roadmap to plan their market entry strategy,” said Tales Machado, the president of Centrorochas.
Another highlight is the multiple applications of the material. Although roofing remains the primary use for slate in France, the survey also identifies opportunities in landscaping, paving, cladding, and products with higher added value, expanding the scope of operations for Brazilian exporters.
According to Thiago Fukuda, the manager of It’s Natural – Brazilian Natural Stone, the full study is available exclusively to companies supported by the sectoral project, which can be joined for free. “By becoming a supported company, besides having access to technical materials like this study, participants can join prospecting missions and rounds of negotiations, as well as take part in international trade fairs and other initiatives aimed at expanding the presence of Brazilian natural stones internationally,” he adds. Companies interested in being part of the program should visit https://podio.com/webforms/26378838/1995038 to register for free.
Study guides prospecting mission to France
The insights gathered in the study will serve as the foundation for a prospecting mission that will be held from September 28 to October 2 in France. The initiative will bring together an institutional delegation comprising members of Centrorochas and the Association of Slate Miners and Processors of Minas Gerais (Amar), along with companies supported by the sectoral project. The schedule will consist of technical visits and meetings with market representatives, connecting participants with major sales channels, applications, and trends identified in the survey.
The goal is to turn market intelligence into concrete business opportunities and to expand the presence of Brazilian slate in the largest import market for the product in the world.
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.
