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President Trump's Game-Changing Tariff for the Quartz Industry

In a bold move aimed at protecting domestic manufacturing, President Donald J. Trump has announced a significant tariff on imported quartz surface products, a decision praised by leading executives in the U.S.-based quartz slab industry. The new tax structure includes a 25% tariff on imported quartz and escalates to 50% if imports exceed 144 million square feet per year.

The announcement, made on July 31, 2026, comes in conjunction with existing Section 301 tariffs ranging from 10-12.5% that target forced labor practices. Daniel Vaz De Melo Sa, a Business Development Manager at Guidoni USA, remarked, "Without President Trump’s decisive actions, our plant would have shut down this year. Today’s trade remedy restores hope, enabling us to compete fairly and invest in growth, which could lead to more jobs across the board."

Marty Davis, CEO of Cambria, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Trump’s measures mark a vital step back to more equitable trade practices. Davis stated, “His trade remedies will initiate a renaissance in manufacturing, reversing the damage of past administrations' policies that overly favored foreign competition.” According to Davis, Trump’s actions have already safeguarded over 100,000 jobs throughout the quartz manufacturing supply chain.

Despite a burgeoning demand for quartz surfacing—reported at a 62% increase over the last five years—the industry has seen a 17.2% decline in domestic production since 2020, primarily attributed to a 78.3% surge in quartz slab imports during that period. This has created an uneven playing field for manufacturers, complicating their ability to plan and invest for future growth.

Furthermore, Michael Morici, Vice President of Sales at LX Hausys, highlighted the importance of this certainty. "Today’s action enables businesses like ours to invest in production and workforce development, thereby solidifying domestic supply chains for sustained future growth."

Daltile’s President, Matt Kahny, also reaffirmed the commitment of U.S. manufacturers. “We want to expand our production and increase our investment in U.S.-based facilities,” he stated. Their desire reflects a collective aim within the industry to forge a more robust domestic quartz manufacturing future.

In September 2025, the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America (QMAA) filed a Global Safeguard petition with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) under Section 201 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. QMAA members argued passionately for the necessity of restoring free and fair trade conditions that would allow U.S. manufacturers to compete effectively.

The ITC’s subsequent investigation affirmed the serious injuries inflicted on the domestic industry by the influx of cheap imports. The tariffs announced by the President exceed even the relief recommended by the ITC, highlighting the administration’s proactive approach to safeguarding U.S. jobs and industry against unfair competition.

The tariffs are set to take effect on August 15, 2026. The impact of this decision is expected to be profound, as the quartz industry alone supports 100,000 American jobs. The administration has strategically exempted countries with free trade agreements, such as Canada and Mexico, from these tariffs, while also declining to provide exclusions for products that have historically undermined U.S. trade policy.

In summary, President Trump's new tariffs represent a significant shift in trade policy. By prioritizing the American quartz manufacturing sector and its workforce, he aims to restore balance in the market, keep jobs in the U.S., and strengthen the economy. The quartz manufacturing leaders' unanimous support underscores the importance of this decision, as they rally for a future with fair competition, robust growth, and positive impacts across the broader quartz industry.

Learn more about the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America at their website.