Save Quartz Jobs Coalition Supports Industry Lawsuit Challenging Quartz Safeguard Tariffs

Independent Fabricators & Downstream Businesses Ignored in Safeguard Proceeding

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Save Quartz Jobs coalition today announced its support for a lawsuit filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging the quartz surface products (QSP) safeguard tariffs. The case raises fundamental questions about whether independent fabricators and other downstream businesses were properly considered before sweeping new import restrictions were imposed. The lawsuit was filed by Wisenbaker Builder Services, Elite Quartz Manufacturing, Arizona Tile, M S International, and Caesarstone USA.

The coalition has long maintained that the domestic quartz industry extends far beyond slab production. It includes businesses across the United States that cut, finish, fabricate, distribute, and install quartz products for homeowners, builders, and commercial customers.

"This lawsuit highlights a fundamental concern we raised throughout the safeguard proceeding: thousands of American businesses, including coalition members -- independent fabricators across the country-- were not fully represented in a decision that directly affects their operations and workers," said Jonathan T. Stoel, partner at Hogan Lovells Cadwalader and counsel to the coalition. "These companies are manufacturers, employers, and contributors to their local economies. Their role in the domestic quartz industry must be recognized, and their voices deserve to be heard."

According to the complaint, more than 1,000 U.S. fabricators opposed the safeguard petition during the investigation, representing more than 100 million square feet of annual production and more than 7,000 American jobs. The plaintiffs contend those companies should have been considered part of the domestic industry when the U.S. International Trade Commission evaluated whether imports were a substantial cause of serious injury.

The complaint alleges that the Commission committed multiple legal errors, including improperly excluding independent fabricators from the domestic industry, finding that the safeguard petition had sufficient industry support, issuing its injury determination and report outside the statutory deadlines, and failing to properly apply the legal standard governing serious injury and substantial cause.

"The complaint asks the court to determine whether the safeguard process complied with the requirements Congress established and whether the full domestic quartz industry was properly considered before these tariffs were imposed," said Stoel. "The record included extensive evidence from independent fabricators and other downstream businesses directly affected by the measure. We look forward to presenting the court with the legal and factual issues raised by our clients."

The safeguard measure took effect on August 15, 2026. In its first year, it imposes a 25 percent tariff on QSP imports up to specified quarterly thresholds and a 50 percent tariff on imports above those thresholds.

The coalition believes the tariffs will increase costs and uncertainty throughout the quartz supply chain, placing additional pressure on American fabricators, distributors, installers, builders, retailers, and consumers already navigating a challenging construction and housing market.

"The adverse effects of these tariffs extend throughout the supply chain," said Stoel. "Independent fabricators rely on access to a range of quartz slabs to meet customer demand. Higher costs and reduced supply options make it harder for these American manufacturers to compete, invest in their businesses, and support local jobs."

"A strong domestic quartz industry depends on every link in the supply chain having the opportunity to compete and grow," said Save Quartz Jobs coalition spokesperson Molly Morrissey. "American workers are best served by policies that recognize the contributions of the entire industry, preserve jobs, encourage investment, and maintain competitive choices for businesses and consumers."

A copy of the lawsuit can be found on the coalition’s website here.

The Save Quartz Jobs Coalition is a nationwide alliance of quartz fabricators, distributors, builders, installers, and industry stakeholders committed to protecting American jobs, preserving consumer choice, and promoting a competitive and sustainable quartz supply chain. Additional information can be found at www.savequartzjobs.com.