Final USITC Report on Chinese Quartz Imports June 2019 | Page 54

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Changes in purchasing patterns  
Most purchasers reported increasing their purchases of quartz surface products from 
different sources since January 1, 2015, citing increased customer preference for quartz (table 
II‐8). 39  Several purchasers reported that the increased popularity of quartz surface products is 
due to the increased colors and design options as well as a less expensive option to natural 
stone products. Twenty‐two of 46 responding purchasers reported that they had changed 
suppliers since January 1, 2015. Specifically, firms dropped or reduced purchases from Basix 
America, Cambria, and Caesarstone because of quality issues, supplier ending relationship, and 
supply shortages. Firms added or increased purchases from Aurea Stone, Cambria, Contempo 
Tile, Fasa Industrial, Pental, PF Surfaces, Prism Quartz, Vadara, and Vicostone because of 
customer request, builder contract, price, color assortment and aesthetic designs. Firms also 
reported changes because of price, changes in builder contracts, aesthetic designs, and color 
options.  
Table II-8
Quartz surface products: Changes in purchase patterns from U.S., China, and nonsubject
countries
Did not
Source of purchases
purchase Decreased Increased Constant Fluctuated
United States
14
4
13
5
2
China
3
6
29
1
1
Israel
19
2
6
2
2
Spain
20
1
4
1
2
All other sources
16
3
10
1
1
Sources unknown
19
2
7
3
2
Source: Compiled from data submitted in response to Commission questionnaires.
39
 Purchaser *** indicated that it increased its purchases of fabricated quarts surface products from 
the United States, China, Israel and Spain because of a general increased demand for quartz surface 
products and noted that it also increased its purchases from China and Spain because of consumers’ 
aesthetic design preference.  
II‐24