Quartz Fabricators Defend American Jobs at ITC Hearing

Fabricators warn proposed tariffs on imported quartz would harm small businesses and consumers

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:21pm

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Fabricators testifying at a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing on Tuesday, February 24 will argue that proposed tariffs or quotas on imported quartz surface products (QSP) would harm small businesses, American jobs, and drive up costs for consumers. The hearing is in response to a trade petition filed by a group of multinational companies claiming imports are injuring the domestic quartz industry.

Why it matters

The outcome of the ITC hearing could have significant implications for the quartz fabrication industry, which employs tens of thousands of workers across the U.S. in over 2,000 establishments. Fabricators argue that imported QSP is essential to meet consumer demand, as domestic slab production only accounts for a fraction of total finished QSP demand.

The details

In a prehearing brief, fabricators stated that domestic slab producers only produced around 32.7 million square feet of slabs in 2024 and supported 1,446 direct production jobs, while U.S. fabricators produce over 180 million square feet of finished countertops annually and employ tens of thousands. Fabricators argue they are the 'David' facing off against the 'Goliath' of multinational slab producers seeking trade protections.

  • The ITC hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
  • The hearing is in response to a trade petition filed by a group of multinational companies.

The players

U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)

The U.S. government agency responsible for investigating and making determinations on trade disputes.

Quartz Fabricators

Hundreds of small and medium-sized American businesses that fabricate and install quartz surface products like kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities.

Multinational Quartz Slab Producers

A small group of large, multinational companies that manufacture quartz surface product slabs and have filed a trade petition seeking tariffs or quotas on imported QSP.

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What they’re saying

“The [ITC] is confronted here with a David versus Goliath story. David is the hundreds of red, white, and blue American fabricator manufacturers of QSP overwhelmingly opposed to the petition … Goliath is the powerful, concentrated band of multinational corporations that manufacture QSP slabs in the United States.”

— Fabricators (Prehearing Brief)

“Domestic slab production is just a fraction of total finished QSP demand in the U.S. market. This means that a massive supply of imported slabs is necessary for the entire domestic industry to be successful … Domestic slab producers collectively produced approximately 32.7 million square feet of slabs in 2024 and supported approximately 1,446 direct production jobs as of the end of the POI. By contrast, U.S. fabricators produce more than 180 million square feet of finished countertops annually and employ tens of thousands of workers in at least 2,000 establishments.”

— Fabricators (Prehearing Brief)

What’s next

The ITC will make a determination on whether to impose tariffs or quotas on imported quartz surface products following the February 24 hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tensions between domestic manufacturers and small businesses that rely on imported materials to meet consumer demand. The outcome could significantly impact thousands of American jobs in the quartz fabrication industry.