United States President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a four-year safeguard tariff-rate quota (TRQ) on imports of quartz surface products (QSP), following a determination by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) that surging imports have caused serious injury to domestic manufacturers.
The proclamation, signed on July 31, introduces the safeguard measure from Aug 15, 2026, as part of the US government’s efforts to facilitate the domestic industry’s adjustment to increased import competition.
The decision follows an investigation initiated under Section 202 of the US Trade Act of 1974, in which the ITC concluded that imports of quartz surface products had increased to levels that substantially harmed the US industry producing similar products. The affected products include those classified under specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) categories covering engineered quartz slabs and related products.
Under the new safeguard, imports will be subject to a tariff-rate quota for four years, with annual adjustments that gradually increase quota volumes while reducing tariff rates over the duration of the measure. The safeguard will remain in force unless modified or terminated earlier by the US administration.
However, the measure will not apply universally.
The proclamation specifically exempts imports originating from Australia, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, South Korea, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Israel and countries covered under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), after the ITC determined that imports from these economies either did not account for a substantial share of total imports or were not significant contributors to the injury suffered by US producers. Certain developing countries with limited import shares are also excluded from the safeguard.
The US government said the safeguard is designed to provide temporary relief while encouraging domestic manufacturers to improve competitiveness and make a positive adjustment to import competition.
In addition, the US Trade Representative has been authorised to negotiate agreements with foreign exporters that may include export limitations or investment commitments in US quartz surface product manufacturing. The administration also reserves the right to expand the safeguard if import surges occur from currently exempted countries or if circumvention of the measure is detected.
