U.S. distributors and importers in the ceramic tile industry should be aware of ongoing legal developments that may significantly affect the cost of imported ceramic tile from India.
In April 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce imposed anti-subsidy tariffs ranging from 3.0% to 3.5% on ceramic tile imports from India. This action was subsequently affirmed by the U.S. International Trade Commission, which determined that such imports pose a threat to domestic manufacturers. However, at that time, the Department of Commerce declined to impose additional anti-dumping tariffs.
The Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile (CFTCT) has since challenged both the anti-subsidy and anti-dumping determinations before the U.S. Court of International Trade. The coalition contends that the Department of Commerce did not sufficiently investigate the network of affiliated entities connected to the two largest Indian exporters. Briefing in the case is currently underway, and a decision is anticipated later this year.
If the Court rules in favor of CFTCT, tariff rates on Indian ceramic tile imports could increase. Notably, any such increase would be applied retroactively to “unliquidated” entries. These are imports for which U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet finalized the calculation of duties, taxes, and fees. As a result, the importer of record could face additional duties on imports dating back to 2024 and extending through at least the third quarter of 2026, and potentially beyond.
In addition to the ongoing litigation, the U.S. tile industry retains the option to request annual reviews of the existing anti-subsidy tariffs. These reviews may also result in adjustments, including potential increases in tariff rates.
“This case underscores the importance of vigilance for anyone sourcing ceramic tile from India,” said Eric Astrachan, Executive Director of the Tile Council of North America. “With the potential for retroactive tariff adjustments, companies should closely monitor developments and evaluate their exposure on unliquidated imports, as the financial implications could be substantial.”
| About the Coalition for Fair Trade in Ceramic Tile (CFTCT) The domestic manufacturers of the CFTCT annually produce hundreds of millions of square feet of ceramic and porcelain tile and employ thousands of workers in state-of-the-art facilities throughout the U.S. In many cases, these factories were built by leading manufacturers around the world who saw the opportunity the U.S. offers with skilled and dedicated labor, plentiful clay and raw materials and welcoming communities. Other factories continue a long history of domestic manufacturing whose tiles can be found throughout the nation in airports, train stations, schools, businesses, and homes built over the last hundred years – an ongoing testament to the enduring quality of ceramic tile and the tile industry. Sadly, this is all now threatened by tiles being dumped by Indian tile manufacturers intent on capturing the U.S. market through predatory practices. |
| About Tile Council of North America (TCNA) TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials and other tile-related products. Established in 1945 as the Tile Council of America (TCA), it became the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) in 2005, reflecting its membership expansion to all of North America. The Tile Council is recognized for its leadership role in facilitating the development of North American and international industry quality standards to benefit tile consumers. Additionally, TCNA regularly conducts independent research and product testing, works with regulatory, trade, and other government agencies, and publishes installation guidelines, tile standards, economic reports, and promotional literature. |
