India Requests WTO Consultations on US 50% Tariffs for Quartz Surface Imports
India has initiated consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding the United States’ new tariff-rate quota on quartz surface product imports. This measure, which took effect on August 15, imposes tariffs of up to 50% and is set to last for four years. In the fiscal year 2026, India exported approximately $380 million worth of quartz surface products to the US, making it one of the major exporters alongside Vietnam, Spain, and Thailand.
Details of the Tariff Quota
The tariff-rate quota was introduced by US President Donald Trump on July 31, following a recommendation from the US International Trade Commission. The Commission determined that the increase in imports of quartz surface products was causing significant harm to US producers of similar goods. In its communication to the WTO on August 14, India expressed its “substantial interest” in the matter and proposed that consultations be held virtually at a mutually convenient time.
This marks the fourth time India has sought consultations with the US on trade issues, previously addressing concerns related to steel and aluminum, automobiles, and copper imports. WTO rules allow exemptions from safeguard measures for developing countries if their individual import share is below 3%, provided the combined share of all such countries does not exceed 9% of total imports.
Broader Trade Context
In addition to the quartz surface product tariffs, the US has imposed a 10% tariff on Indian goods following a Section 301 investigation into forced labor practices. There are also legislative efforts underway that could lead to tariffs as high as 100% on India and other countries identified as major purchasers of Russian oil and gas. Meanwhile, India and the US are in negotiations for a trade agreement.
Recently, the US included India in a list of over 40 countries implicated in a “shadow trans-shipment network,” which allegedly facilitates the entry of Chinese goods into the US while circumventing tariffs. The US plans to employ artificial intelligence to monitor and address these shipments.
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