Comment from Leons countertops

Leon’s Countertops respectfully submits the following comments regarding the proposed safeguard measures and tariff-rate quotas on imported quartz surface products. Leon’s Countertops has proudly served our community for more than 20 years and currently employs approximately 95 local employees. We fabricate and install countertop surfaces for residential and commercial applications, working with homeowners, contractors, developers, and national home builders such as Lennar and M/I Homes. Approximately 95% of the quartz materials we fabricate are imported products. Access to imported quartz has allowed us to provide high-quality surfaces at competitive price points while maintaining reliable supply and product variety for our customers and builder partners. The proposed tariff-rate quotas and additional import restrictions would have an immediate negative impact on our business. In the short term, increased material costs and supply instability would reduce our ability to remain competitive and would ultimately increase costs for builders and homebuyers. At a time when housing affordability is already a major concern, these measures would contribute directly to higher new home prices. Our builder partners rely on us to provide quality materials at pricing that helps keep homes attainable for consumers. Significant increases in quartz costs could slow construction activity, reduce demand, and place additional strain on the residential housing market. Long term, these measures could negatively impact the growth and stability of our company and other downstream fabricators across the country. Reduced demand and rising costs may force businesses like ours to delay expansion, reduce investment, and potentially reduce workforce size. For Leon’s Countertops, that means local jobs and the livelihoods of nearly 100 families in our community could be at risk. We also encourage policymakers to recognize the critical role downstream fabricators and installers play within the quartz industry supply chain. If tariff revenues or relief measures are implemented, support should be directed toward downstream users such as fabricators, installers, and processors to help offset rising operational costs and allow continued investment in workforce safety, training, and compliance. While we understand the intent behind supporting domestic slab manufacturers, it is important that any action taken also considers the broader impact on American fabricators, builders, workers, and consumers who depend on affordable quartz products. Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on this matter.