Trump imposes quartz surface tariffs with quota, up to 50% duty

President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on July 31 that establishes a four‑year tariff‑rate quota on quartz‑surface imports. The measure takes effect on August 15, setting annual square‑footage targets (e.g., about 140 million ft² for 2026‑27) with a 25% tariff on imports below the quota and up to 50% on amounts above it. The quota and rates will be adjusted each year until the program ends in August 2030, and a limited number of countries – including Canada, South Korea, Mexico and over 100 developing‑economy nations – are exempt under existing free‑trade agreements.

The safeguard follows a U.S. International Trade Commission investigation that found rising quartz imports harming the domestic industry. Industry groups expect the policy to protect U.S. quartz manufacturers but also to raise countertop prices, affecting home‑renovation budgets, contractors, retailers and fabricators that rely on imported slabs.