Quick Summary
In October 2025, the United States announced the suspension of the 24% retaliatory tariff on selected Chinese stone products, marking a potential turning point in the international natural stone trade.
For global buyers—from marble importers in the U.S. to quartz slab distributors in Europe—this shift opens a window of opportunity.
In this article, CENTURY STAR explores the policy background, affected product categories, impact on procurement costs, and actionable recommendations for importers, wholesalers, and project developers navigating the post-tariff era.
Full Article: U.S. Suspends 24% Tariff on Chinese Stone Imports: What It Means for Global Buyers
Why Were the Tariffs Introduced?
Since 2018, U.S. authorities imposed Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports, including natural stone (HS Code 6802 and 6810). These tariffs, up to 25%, created procurement challenges for U.S. importers and pushed demand toward Brazil, India, and Turkey.
As a result, suppliers like CENTURY STAR—a trusted stone brand from China—had to pivot toward non-U.S. markets while maintaining product quality, price competitiveness, and global compliance (SGS, ISO, CE).
What Changed in 2025?
U.S. Suspends 24 Tariff on Chinese Stone Imports What It Means for Global Buyers
In October 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced a temporary suspension of the 24% tariff on various construction and industrial products—including natural and engineered stone. This decision is meant to:
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Alleviate rising costs in the construction and real estate sectors
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Support affordable housing and infrastructure plans
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Normalize global supply chains post-pandemic
For Chinese exporters like CENTURY STAR, this opens the door to resume direct exports to American buyers with no extra tariff burden—at least for now.
Affected Product Categories
| HS Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 6802.10 | Marble or travertine, cut and finished |
| 6802.21 | Granite blocks/slabs, polished or flamed |
| 6810.19 | Engineered quartz or sintered stone surfaces |
These cover CENTURY STAR core offerings, including:
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Grey marble slabs for floors and facades
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Engineered quartz countertops
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Polished granite tiles for commercial projects
Implications for Global Buyers
U.S. Suspends 24 Tariff on Chinese Stone Imports What It Means for Global Buyers or
? U.S. Distributors:
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Lowered landed cost (15–20% total savings)
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Easier project pricing for residential, hospitality, and commercial builds
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More competitive bids using CENTURY STAR Chinese-origin products
? European / Middle Eastern Buyers:
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Global supply rebalancing may cause temporary lead time shifts
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CENTURY STAR may adjust production slots to accommodate increased U.S. demand
What This Means for CENTURY STAR
As a long-established stone supplier based in Fujian, China, CENTURY STAR is:
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Fully prepared to scale up exports under this suspension window
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Offering updated pricing with the 24% tariff excluded
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Providing factory-direct export models via FOB Xiamen / CIF services
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Reopening dedicated support channels for U.S. clients (quote within 24h)
Buyer Action Plan
✅ For U.S. importers:
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Request updated quotes from CENTURY STAR
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without tariff
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Evaluate stock planning ahead of Chinese New Year (Feb 2026)
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Prioritize high-demand items (e.g., Calacatta, Carrara, grey quartz)
✅ For European & ME buyers:
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Discuss forecasted volume to secure early production
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Coordinate mixed-container solutions (tiles + slabs + vanities)
Field Insight: Why Smart Buyers Are Re-Evaluating Their Stone Sourcing Strategy
The suspension of the 24% tariff reopens access to China’s unmatched supply capacity and finish variety. For buyers in the U.S. and beyond, it’s more than cost-saving — it’s about regaining flexibility in material selection and production speed.
CENTURY STAR advantage:
• Full export service with SGS & ISO documentation
• 15+ years in engineered and natural stone exports
• Weekly shipments from Xiamen to East/West Coast U.S.
• Dedicated after-sales team for project support
For global buyers who paused China orders during the tariff years — this is the moment to return. As we always say at CENTURY STAR: “Better stone, faster delivery, smarter partnership.”
Frequently Asked Questions: US Tariff Suspension
1. How does the suspension of the 24% tariff benefit US stone buyers?
The suspension significantly reduces the landed cost of Chinese stone products, including marble, granite, and quartzite. This allows US-based developers, wholesalers, and interior designers to source high-quality materials at more competitive prices, improving project margins and accessibility.
2. Does this tariff suspension apply to all stone products from China?
While the suspension covers a broad range of natural stone categories, it is essential to verify specific HTS codes. Most major construction and decorative stones like marble slabs, tiles, and countertops are included in the recent policy updates.
3. Will lead times for US orders change due to this policy?
While the tariff suspension affects cost, lead times primarily depend on production capacity and shipping logistics. However, the anticipated increase in demand may lead to busier production schedules. At Century Star, we recommend planning orders in advance to secure optimal delivery windows.
4. How can I ensure the stone quality remains high despite lower costs?
Cost reduction comes from tax relief, not a decrease in material standards. We maintain our rigorous quality control processes, ensuring every slab meets international E-E-A-T standards for durability, aesthetic consistency, and structural integrity.
5. Is this a permanent change in US import policy?
Trade policies can be subject to periodic review. Global buyers should stay informed through reliable industry partners. We actively monitor these regulations to provide our clients with the most up-to-date information for their procurement strategies.
References
- U.S. Trade Representative Office (USTR). Official Statement on Tariff Suspensions, October 2025.
- China Stone Material Association. 2025 Export Trends and Compliance Guide.
- World Trade Organization (WTO). Section 301 Policy Review Report, 2024.
- Bloomberg Economics. “Tariff Relief in Building Materials: What Global Buyers Should Expect.”, 2025.
- CENTURY STAR Internal Data Center. Export Record and Logistics Optimization Report, 2023–2025.
- International Marble Institute. “Post-Tariff Global Supply Chain Trends.”, 2024.
- U.S. Department of Commerce. HS Code 6802 and 6810 Trade Volume Analysis, 2023–2025.
- Construction Industry News (CIN). “U.S.–China Trade Policy Impacts on Building Material Imports.”, 2025.
- Forbes Business Insight. “Global Procurement Adjustments Following Tariff Policy Changes.”, 2025.
- ISO Organization. Stone Export Certification Framework (ISO 9001, ISO 14001)., 2024.