U.S. imposes 4‑year tariff‑rate quota on quartz surface imports starting Aug 15, 2026

What is happening

• A tariff‑rate quota (TRQ) on quartz surface products (QSP) takes effect for goods entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on August 15, 2026.

Who and where it matters

• Applies to QSP classified under HTSUS subheadings 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000.
• Affects importers and U.S. businesses that buy or sell QSP (countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, flooring, tiles, etc.).

By the numbers (volumes and duties)

• Year 1 (Aug 15, 2026–Aug 14, 2027): aggregate quota 13,006,426 m² (quarterly 3,251,606 m²).

• Year 2 (Aug 15, 2027–Aug 14, 2028): aggregate quota 14,771,583 m² (quarterly 3,692,896 m²).

• Year 3 (Aug 15, 2028–Aug 14, 2029): aggregate quota 15,236,099 m² (quarterly 3,809,025 m²).

• Year 4 (Aug 15, 2029–Aug 14, 2030): aggregate quota 15,700,614 m² (quarterly 3,925,153 m²).

• Within‑quota duty (heading 9903.45.30): 25% (Yr1), 23% (Yr2), 21% (Yr3), 19% (Yr4).

• Over‑quota duty (heading 9903.45.31): 50% (Yr1), 49% (Yr2), 48% (Yr3), 47% (Yr4).

Exemptions and special rules

• Excludes imports that are the product of Canada and Mexico, and will not count those imports toward the TRQ.
• Also excludes products from Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Singapore, South Korea, listed CBERA beneficiaries, and a specified list of developing countries (see Annex).
• Developing‑country products remain exempt as long as an individual country’s share of imports is ≤3% and all such countries together are ≤9%; the Trade Representative can add a country to the TRQ if those thresholds are exceeded.

Other implementation notes

• QSP scope defined by silica being the largest single material by weight; includes slabs and many fabricated or unfinished surface products but excludes quarried stone (e.g., granite, marble).
• Goods in U.S. foreign trade zones admitted on or after Aug 15, 2026 must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” and will be subject to the TRQ on entry for consumption.
• The Trade Representative is authorized to negotiate export/import limiting agreements, modify the Annex, and address circumvention or import surges.

Why it matters

• The TRQ and stepped duties restrict how much QSP can enter at lower duty rates and raise costs for imports above the quota, directly affecting supply, prices, and sourcing decisions for U.S. fabricators, retailers, and builders.