India challenges US’ 50 pc quartz surface tariff quota at WTO, cites $380 million export stake

India has formally requested consultations with the United States under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Safeguards regarding Washington’s four-year tariff rate quota on imports of quartz surface products. The US measure, which went into effect on August 15, 2026, imposes import tariffs of up to 50% on quartz surface products following a determination by the US International Trade Commission (USITC) that surging import volumes threaten domestic manufacturers. In its communication to the WTO, India highlighted its “substantial interest” as a major supplier, having exported approximately $380 million worth of quartz surface products to the US in FY26. New Delhi argued that the safeguard measures circumvent standard multilateral trade rules protecting developing countries with minor import shares, marking India’s fourth formal dispute consultation request against US trade restrictions in recent years, alongside prior actions on steel and aluminium, auto components and copper imports, said a report.

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