Comment from Rhoads, Mitchell
Mitchell RhoadsOpposeIndividual
Summary: A small business owner who provides affordable quartz countertops argues that the proposed tariffs and quotas would unfairly benefit a dominant luxury manufacturer while harming small businesses and consumers. The commenter contends that the action would eliminate competition, increase costs for affordable housing projects, and ultimately make quality countertops unaffordable for many Americans.
As the owner of a small business employing 25 Americans, I provide affordable quartz countertops for housing projects across the United States. The quartz products we install cost between $8 and $11 per square foot and have become the industry standard for affordable housing because of their durability, stain resistance, and long-term value compared to laminate and solid-surface alternatives.
Cambria, a domestic quartz manufacturer, is now seeking tariffs and quotas on imported quartz products. While presented as a measure to protect American manufacturing, the practical effect would be to eliminate competition and dramatically increase costs for builders, homeowners, and small businesses like mine.
The irony is that Cambria already dominates the luxury quartz market. Their products occupy the premium end of the industry, much like Bentley occupies the luxury automobile market. Imported quartz serves a completely different customer base—families, builders, and affordable housing projects seeking quality products at reasonable prices.
If heavy tariffs and quotas are imposed, the result will not be a stronger American quartz industry. Instead, quartz will become unaffordable for millions of Americans, forcing many builders and homeowners to abandon a product that has become the preferred choice for durability and value.
The greatest damage, however, will be felt by thousands of small businesses across the country. Companies like mine have built our livelihoods serving customers who want attractive, durable countertops without luxury-level pricing. Increased tariffs would threaten jobs, reduce housing affordability, and place yet another financial burden on American consumers.
Competition is the foundation of free enterprise. When one company seeks government intervention to eliminate competitors, consumers ultimately pay the price.
If this letter reaches President Trump, my message is simple:
"Mr. President, as one businessman to another, I respectfully ask you to look beyond the rhetoric and recognize this proposal for what it is: an attempt to use government policy to reduce competition, raise prices, and benefit one company at the expense of American consumers, small businesses, and affordable housing."