Trump Imposes Four-Year Safeguard Tariff-Rate Quota on Quartz Surface Product Imports
Published August 2, 2026
Key Points
- President Trump issued a proclamation on July 31, 2026, establishing a four-year safeguard tariff-rate quota (TRQ) on certain quartz surface product imports.
- The action follows a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) finding that increased imports seriously injured the U.S. quartz surface product industry.
- The safeguard covers products classified under HTSUS 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000.
- The TRQ remains in effect for four years, with annual increases in quota volumes and reductions in duty rates.
- Imports from Canada, Mexico, and several other countries are excluded under U.S. trade agreements and applicable laws.
- The safeguard takes effect on August 15, 2026, for covered goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption.
On July
31, 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing a four-year safeguard tariff-rate quota on certain quartz surface product imports after the ITC found that increased imports seriously injured the domestic industry. The safeguard applies to specified HTSUS classifications and includes annual adjustments to quota quantities and duty rates. Imports from Canada, Mexico, and several other qualifying countries remain excluded under applicable trade agreements and statutory provisions.
Products Covered
The safeguard applies to quartz surface products (QSP) imported under the following Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classifications:
- HTSUS 6810.99.0020
- HTSUS 6810.99.0040
- HTSUS 7020.00.6000
Tariff-Rate Quota
Under the TRQ, covered quartz surface products entered within and in excess of the quota quantities will be subject to the applicable duty rates specified under the safeguard measure. The Annex to the proclamation provides the HTSUS provisions, quota quantities, duty rates, and country exclusions for the TRQ.
The quota structure includes:
- Annual increases in the within-quota quantities.
- Reductions in duty rates applicable to goods entered within and in excess of the quota quantities during the second, third, and fourth years of the measure.
- Application to covered quartz surface products from countries subject to the safeguard measure, except for specified exclusions.
Which Countries Are Subject to the TRQ?
The TRQ applies to covered QSP imports from all countries, except:
- Canada and Mexico
- Australia, CAFTA-DR countries, Colombia, Israel, Republic of Korea, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and CBERA beneficiary countries and territories
- Developing countries listed in Note 41(c) of the Annex that meet the applicable import share thresholds.
The measure applies to covered goods entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 15, 2026.
What It Means for Importers
- Determine whether their products fall under the covered HTSUS classifications.
- Verify the product’s country of origin to determine whether an exclusion applies.
- Review quota availability and applicable duty rates before importation.
- Monitor Federal Register notices for any changes to country exclusions or safeguard implementation
How GHY Can Help?
GHY specializes in helping businesses navigate and reduce the impacts of tariffs through strategic solutions tailored to their needs. Our experts can audit your supply chain to identify inefficiencies, uncover cost-saving opportunities, and ensure compliance with evolving trade regulations. We also employ tariff engineering techniques to optimize product classification and sourcing strategies, minimizing duty exposure and maximizing profitability.
By partnering with GHY, your business gains access to the tools and expertise needed to streamline operations and stay competitive in a challenging trade environment.
Contact Us Today! Booking a Meeting, email consult@ghy.com, or call +1 (800) 667-0771.
Subscribe!
