U.S. Quartz Industry Wins Key Trade Ruling, Paving Way for Tariffs

WASHINGTON, DC – April 01, 2026 – The U.S. domestic quartz industry secured a major victory today as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that a flood of imported quartz surface products is causing serious injury to American manufacturers. The decision paves the way for the President to impose tariffs or other trade barriers, a move that could reshape the market for the popular countertop material and impact everything from U.S. jobs to the cost of home renovations.

In a 2-1 vote, the commission sided with the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America (QMAA), a coalition of domestic producers who filed a Global Safeguard petition last September. The petition argued that an unchecked surge of imports from countries around the globe has decimated the U.S. industry, threatening its survival.

"Today's ITC injury determination is a great step forward for American quartz manufacturing and the 100,000 American jobs this industry supports," said Luke Meisner, Counsel for QMAA, in a statement. He noted that with foreign quartz imports now accounting for nearly 90% of the U.S. market, the coalition is confident the ITC will recommend decisive action.

The Heart of the Dispute

The case centers on engineered quartz, a durable and popular material used for countertops, tiles, and other surfaces. According to the QMAA's petition, imports of these products skyrocketed by 73.4% between 2020 and 2024. This deluge, the alliance argues, has led to idle American factories, declining market share, and a climate of fear for workers.

Industry leaders hailed the ITC's decision as a crucial step toward leveling the playing field. "We applaud today's ITC injury determination that recognizes the negative impact of the flood of foreign quartz surface products coming into our country," stated Cambria CEO Marty Davis. He argued that the imports not only harm slab manufacturers but also hurt downstream American fabricators who install the finished products.

This sentiment was echoed by others in the coalition. Daniel Vaz De Melo Sa, Business Development Manager of Guidoni USA, described the uncertainty plaguing his company's workforce. "Today, when I walk through the plant, I see uncertainty and fear in the eyes of employees who worry they may be next to be let go," he remarked, calling the ITC's determination "significant progress towards saving this great American manufacturing industry."

Michael Morici, Vice President of Surfaces at LX Hausys America, added, "Our industry is at risk without safeguard measures in place. Thanks to the ITC's vote, we are one step closer to saving American quartz jobs and remain committed to reinvestment and growth."

What Happens Next?

Unlike anti-dumping cases, which require proof of unfair practices like government subsidies, a Global Safeguard investigation under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 is a broader tool. It allows for temporary "safeguard" measures if the ITC finds that an increase in imports is a "substantial cause of serious injury" to a domestic industry, regardless of the reason for the surge.

With the injury determination now affirmed, the process moves to the remedy phase. The ITC will hold a public hearing on April 14, 2026, to consider what actions to recommend. The QMAA has previously requested remedies including a 50% tariff on all quartz imports or a restrictive quota system.

The commission will then compile its findings and recommendations into a report for the President, due by May 18, 2026. Ultimately, the decision to grant relief rests with the White House. The President has broad discretion to accept, reject, or modify the ITC's recommendations based on the national economic interest and other factors.

Any relief granted would be temporary, initially lasting up to four years, with a possible extension to a maximum of eight years. The ITC's report noted that imports from free trade agreement partners, including Canada and Mexico, did not significantly contribute to the injury.

From Factory Floors to Kitchen Countertops

The potential consequences of import restrictions could be far-reaching. For the domestic manufacturers in the QMAA—which includes major players like Cambria, Dal-Tile, and LX Hausys—tariffs or quotas could provide the breathing room needed to increase production, re-hire workers, and invest in their facilities.

However, the move could create challenges for other parts of the economy. Downstream businesses, such as the thousands of small fabrication shops that cut and install countertops for residential and commercial projects, could face higher material costs and potential supply chain disruptions. This could, in turn, be passed on to consumers.

Anyone planning a home renovation or new construction project may be watching closely. Tariffs on imported quartz could lead to higher prices for one of the most popular countertop materials on the market. The QMAA has argued that any price stabilization would simply correct for artificially low prices driven by unfair foreign competition, but trade economists often point to increased consumer costs as a direct result of protectionist measures.

A Familiar Pattern in Global Trade

This case does not exist in a vacuum. It follows a pattern of U.S. industries turning to Section 201 for relief from global competition. The most prominent recent example is the safeguard tariffs imposed on imported solar panels in 2018. In that case, President Trump enacted a 30% tariff that was later extended, with modifications, by the Biden administration, demonstrating the long-term and complex nature of these trade remedies.

The solar case also highlighted the contentious debate that surrounds such measures, with proponents touting the protection of domestic manufacturing while opponents pointed to job losses in installation sectors and slower adoption of clean energy due to higher costs.

As the ITC prepares its recommendations, the White House will have to weigh the desire to protect American manufacturing jobs against the potential for higher consumer prices and possible retaliatory actions from trade partners like India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia—the very countries the QMAA identified as sources of injurious imports. The final decision will send a strong signal about the administration's trade priorities and could set a new precedent for other industries feeling the pressure from global markets.