The United States International Trade Commission (ITC) will investigate allegations of quartz-dumping practices by China and consider whether to impose anti-dumping duties on Chinese imports.
The Minnesota-based Cambria Company, a producer of quartz surfaces, first initiated a petition to the ITC on April 17, according to the ITC’s announcement, published the following day.
In a press release, Cambria alleged that Chinese manufacturers benefit from government subsidy programs, which help keep their products’ prices lower and take market share from American manufacturers unfairly.
“Unfair trade practices have gone on for far too long,” said Marty Davis, President and CEO of Cambria, in the release.
Quartz surface products are commonly used to make kitchen and bathroom countertops.
Following investigations, the ITC will reach a preliminary determination about whether to impose tariffs by June 1, according to the notice.
Products covered by the investigation include all slabs, regardless of whether they are attached to sinks, sink bowls, vanities, cabinets, and other furniture, according to Husch Blackwell, a business law firm that publicizes anti-dumping petitions and other trade-related news.
Husch Blackwell also obtained a copy of 301 Chinese quartz producers that were alleged by Cambria Company as participating in dumping practices.
In 2017, the United States was China’s largest export market for man-made synthetic stones, including quartz products, according to Chinese manufacturer websites. The export value was $709 million, more than 60 percent of China’s total exports for synthetic stones.
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