The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated an investigation into whether imports of certain processed slabs infringe upon patents held by Cambria Company LLC, a Minnesota-based quartz surface manufacturer. This action follows a complaint filed by Cambria on December 19, 2025, alleging violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 due to the importation and sale of these products.
The USITC has identified the following respondents in this investigation:
- Surface Warehouse, L.P. d/b/a US Surfaces and d/b/a Vadara Quartz Surfaces, Austin, Texas
- M S International Inc. d/b/a MSI, Orange, California
- Arizona Tile, LLC, Tempe, Arizona
- OHM International Inc., Monroe Township, New Jersey
- Architectural Surfaces Group LLC, Spicewood, Texas
- Caesarstone Ltd., Kibbutz Sdot-Yam, Israel
- Caesarstone USA, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina
- LX Hausys, Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea
- LX Hausys America, Inc., Alpharetta, Georgia
- Mohawk Industries, Inc., Calhoun, Georgia
- Dal-Tile, LLC, Dallas, Texas
By instituting this investigation (337-TA-1482), the USITC has not yet made any decision on the merits of the case. The USITC’s Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the USITC’s administrative law judges (ALJ), who will schedule and hold an evidentiary hearing. The ALJ will make an initial determination as to whether there is a violation of Section 337; that initial determination is subject to review by the Commission.
The USITC will make a final determination in the investigation at the earliest practicable time. Within 45 days after institution of the investigation, the USITC will set a target date for completing the investigation. USITC remedial orders in Section 337 cases are effective when issued and become final 60 days after issuance unless disapproved for policy reasons by the U.S. Trade Representative within that 60-day period.
This investigation underscores the ongoing scrutiny of imported quartz surface products. In previous years, the USITC has determined that imports from countries such as China, India, and Turkey have materially injured the U.S. industry, leading to the imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties. For instance, in 2019, the USITC found that imports of quartz surface products from China were subsidized and sold in the United States at less than fair value, resulting in material injury to the U.S. industry. Similar determinations were made regarding imports from India and Turkey in 2020.
Cambria has been proactive in seeking relief from what it perceives as unfair trade practices. The company’s efforts have previously led to the imposition of duties on imports from various countries, aiming to level the playing field for domestic manufacturers.
As the current investigation progresses, stakeholders within the quartz surface industry will be closely monitoring developments, given the potential implications for importers, domestic producers, and the broader market.