HS Code:
Quartz (HS Code: 2506) refers to natural quartz, whether or not roughly trimmed or merely cut, by sawing or otherwise, into blocks or slabs of a rectangular (including square) shape. This category includes varieties such as quartzite and other forms used primarily in construction, jewelry, and industrial applications (e.g., in the production of silicon for electronics). Quartz is valued for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and unique physical properties, making it a critical raw material in multiple industries. Global trade in quartz is driven by demand for construction materials, high-purity quartz for semiconductors, and decorative stones for interior design.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
Average Rate
5.2%
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local mining industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-India FTA for specific quartz categories)
Rising demand for high-purity quartz in semiconductor manufacturing
Increased exports from countries with advanced processing capabilities like the United States and China, driving up prices for premium-grade quartz
2021-2022
Growth in construction and interior design sectors
Boosted trade in quartz slabs and tiles, particularly from Brazil and India, as quartz becomes a preferred material for countertops and flooring
2020-2022
Sustainability concerns in quartz mining
Stricter environmental regulations in key exporting countries may reduce supply and increase costs, pushing buyers toward sustainable sourcing
2022
In an effort to encourage local processing, Brazil implemented a 3% export tax on unprocessed quartz, impacting global supply chains.
March 2023
Potential price increases for raw quartz imports; may shift trade toward processed quartz products
The European Union introduced stricter environmental and labor standards for quartz mining, affecting imports from non-compliant regions.
July 2023
Exporters like India and Turkey may face higher compliance costs, potentially reducing their market share in the EU
China announced investments in new facilities to produce high-purity quartz for the semiconductor industry, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.
September 2023
Could stabilize global supply of high-purity quartz and lower prices in the long term