QMAA Urges U.S. Trade Representative for Stronger Trade Relief to Protect Manufacturing Jobs

QMAA Urges Action from USTR to Safeguard 100,000 Jobs

On June 16, 2026, members of the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America (QMAA) delivered compelling testimonies before the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), calling for urgent trade relief to preserve approximately 100,000 manufacturing jobs across the nation. The advocates voiced their concerns following a stark recommendation from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding the surge of imported quartz surface products, which has severely impacted domestic production.

The ITC's recommendation emphasizes the need for protective measures, suggesting a robust tariff of 50% and a quota limiting the imports to 141 million square feet. Despite strong evidence supporting these safeguards, the ITC discounted earlier claims that imposing tariffs could adversely affect housing affordability in the United States. This data has reinforced the QMAA's resolve to push for protective measures.

Economic Landscape and Manufacturer Voices

As the meeting unfolded, several QMAA representatives shared their dire circumstances. Daniel Vaz De Melo Sa, the Business Development Manager of Guidoni USA, commented, “Despite reducing our workforce and cutting down costs, we still struggle with profitability. Hence, a solid tariff of 50% is vital for our survival.”

Luke Meisner, QMAA’s Legal Counsel, reiterated the goal of ensuring a fair trade environment. “We are advocates for free and fair trade. However, the administration must utilize these critical trade enforcement tools to restore a level playing field for all manufacturers,” he asserted.

Fabricator Darlene Brown, founder of Busch Products, highlighted the grim outlook. She stated that without substantial relief, the ongoing influx of imports would continue to erode their sales, with the risk of eventually going out of business. This sentiment resonated throughout the testimonies, painting a clear picture of an industry on the brink of collapse amid unfair competition.

Job Creation Potential with Safeguard Relief

QMAA members elaborated on the potential positive impacts of the safeguard measures. Matt Kahny, President of Dal-Tile, pointed out that if granted the necessary relief, it could lead to significant job creation at their manufacturing facility in Dickson, Tennessee. He remarked, “We need assurance that we can operate under fair market conditions to thrive again.”

In stark contrast, Mike Morici from LX Hausys expressed growing concerns about production declines, citing a near 40% drop since 2021. He conveyed the urgency for strict tariff and quota measures to prevent further operational reductions.

Andrew Eich, President of Cambria Company, painted a hopeful picture of future investments contingent on fair competition. “We are ready to hire and innovate, but are facing challenges due to unregulated import levels that disrupt our business's natural flow,” he explained.

The Bigger Picture

The pressing circumstances highlighted by QMAA underline the importance of domestic production and the cascading effects of import surges on American manufacturing jobs. Over the past five years, while demand for quartz surfacing has surged by 62%, domestic production has unfortunately declined by 17.2%. Concerns over the growing 78.3% uptick in quartz slab imports between 2020-2024 paint a troubling picture for the industry.

The ITC’s investigation concluded that imported quartz accounted for a mere 0.07% of the overall cost of constructing a new home, discrediting claims that tariffs would vastly inflate housing costs. This pivotal finding comes at a crucial time, with domestic producers fervently urging policymakers to act decisively.

In conclusion, the voices of the QMAA members testify to the pressing need for effective trade relief measures. By implementing strong tariffs and quotas, the U.S. administration can adequately protect domestic manufacturers, ensuring a competitive market conducive to job creation and economic stability.

For further inquiries on the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America, visit QMAA’s website.