The Office of the United States Trade Representative has extended the deadline for submitting written responses to the initial round of public comments regarding the administration’s potential safeguard action on quartz surface products (QSP). The extension, driven by technical difficulties with the federal docket system, gives domestic producers, importers, exporters, and other interested parties additional time to prepare and file their responses.
The underlying matter stems from a determination by the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) that quartz surface products are being imported into the United States in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury or the threat thereof to the domestic industry. USTR, on behalf of the Trade Policy Staff Committee (TPSC), is now gathering public input to inform its recommendation to the President on what safeguard measure, if any, is appropriate.
Key Dates
June 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST — Extended deadline for written responses to the initial round of comments published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2026 (91 FR 28096).
• June 16, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST — Public hearing held by the TPSC in Rooms 1 and 2, 1724 F Street NW, Washington, DC.
What’s at Stake
Quartz surface products including engineered stone countertops and related materials widely used in residential and commercial construction have been a growing source of trade tension between U.S. domestic manufacturers and foreign producers. A safeguard measure, if recommended by the TPSC and approved by the President, could take the form of tariffs, tariff-rate quotas, or other import restrictions designed to give the domestic industry time to adjust to the surge in imports.
Interested parties across the supply chain including stone fabricators, kitchen and bath distributors, construction companies, and importers of QSP should evaluate their exposure to potential safeguard measures and consider whether to submit comments or participate in the public hearing.
How to Participate
Written comments can be submitted through the USTR portal at www.ustr.gov. Comments will be posted publicly in the docket, except for properly designated Business Confidential Information (BCI). Parties with BCI concerns should review USTR’s submission procedures carefully before filing.
ASK AlbaTM
Safeguard investigations can result in significant new import restrictions that affect supply chains, landed costs, and sourcing strategies across industries that rely on imported materials. Alba’s trade policy and customs compliance team helps importers assess their exposure, prepare public comments, and develop contingency plans for potential trade remedy outcomes.
Contact our team to learn how these developments could impact your business: https://albawheelsup.com/contact/
