Higher Tariffs on Quartz Products Move Closer

A recent determination by the International Trade Commission could pave the way for higher tariffs or other import restrictions on quartz surface products.

In December 2025 the ITC instituted a Section 201 investigation of QSP, which is created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite, glass powder) as well as a resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester). QSP is typically sold as rectangular slabs but the investigation covers other surfaces as well, such as countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bar tops, work tops, tabletops, flooring, wall facing, shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, mantels, and tiles. QSP covered by the investigation is provided for under HTSUS subheadings 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000.

The ITC has now issued an affirmative Section 201 determination that QSP is being imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry producing like or directly competitive products. However, the ITC found that (1) imports of QSP from neither Canada nor Mexico account for a substantial share of total imports or contribute importantly to this injury and (2) imports of QSP from each other free trade agreement partner country, individually, are not a substantial cause or threat of serious injury.

The ITC will next proceed to the remedy phase of its investigation, including a public hearing on April 14. Remedies could include tariff increases, quotas, tariff-rate quotas, trade adjustment assistance, or any combination thereof. The petitioner asked the ITC to consider (1) a quota system that would limit the volume of QSP imports on a country-specific basis and (2) a 50 percent tariff on all QSP imports or a specific tariff applied to the weight of QSP at an appropriate rate.

The ITC will make its remedy recommendations to the president by May 18, but it will be up to the president to make the final decision concerning whether and what kind of relief to provide.