U.S. Tile Makers Seek Duties Up to 800% on Indian Ceramic Tile Imports

In a move that would certainly exacerbate the housing affordability crisis by significantly raising prices on imports of ceramic tile from India, a group of U.S. tile manufacturers have filed anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) and U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) seeking duties up to more than 800% on imports of ceramic tile from India.

The Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile (CFTCT), which claims to represent more than 90% of U.S. tile production, alleges that India is engaged in unjust trading practices by allowing low-priced ceramic tile imports into the United States that are undercutting domestic manufacturers.

NAHB opposes artificial economic trade barriers that discourage the use of imported or alternative building materials in the U.S. marketplace and essentially act as a tax on American home builders and home buyers.

The ITC and DOC are currently investigating the complaint from the CFTCT, and could issue preliminary tariffs within a few months if they determine that the Indian government is unfairly subsidizing its domestic tile industry.