CTDA Reports on Federal Maritime Commission’s Proposal to Limit U.S. Imports of Ceramic from Spain

Glen Ellyn, IL, October 16, 2026—”In this morning’s Federal Register, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has proposed ‘limiting’ U.S. imports of ceramic tile and stone from Spain,” reports the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association. “This action would have a major negative impact on the US ceramic tile industry and many CTDA members. As a result, CTDA is taking actions described below and encourages our members to consider doing the same.

“The FMC’s action is summarized by the following bullet points:

• The proposal comes in response to a nearly two-year investigation on allegations that Spain’s government barred port entry in Spain to certain U.S.-flagged vessels;
• In retaliation and as a lever in negotiations, the FMC is proposing to restrict certain types of U.S. imports from Spain. These include all ceramics classified under Chapter 69 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedules (HTS), and all articles of stone under Chapter 68 thereof;
• All imports of ceramic tile from Spain and all imports of stone flooring from Spain will be impacted. The Commission used the term ‘limiting imports’ although it appears that the proposed decision is aimed at barring all imports of Spanish ceramic tile and stone until Spain agrees to port concessions;
• For the full year 2025, HTS Chapter 69 covered $634.7 million of imports from Spain, including $523.7 million under Subheading 6907 for ceramic tiles and mosaic cubes; Chapter 68 covered $270.6 million of imports, including $176.8 million imported under Subheading 6810 for articles of stone, plaster, cement, etc.
• Further, the proposal would not ban Spanish-flagged vessels from U.S. ports but would assess them an additional ‘punitive’ charge of $ 200,000 per ship;
• It must be emphasized that this is a proposal and none of its recommended steps are yet in effect. CTDA will both be filing comments in opposition to the FMC’s proposed actions and will appear on behalf of the industry if a hearing on the proposal is scheduled. As of now, the due date for the submission of any such comments is December 14th;
• CTDA will provide examples of its comments to members along with details on how to submit comments and encourages its members to separately consider separately submitting their own comments to the FMC. The more negative input received, the more opportunity for the FMC to change their proposal. If you do choose to submit comments, please individualize them according to your own company; the FMC stated in its notice that it pays limited attention to what it considers to be the same ‘mass’ comments from both sides of the issues;
• Please consider sharing this communication with your Spanish suppliers and encourage them to communicate with their government officials emphasizing the negative impact this FMC decision will have on the Spanish ceramic tile industry and economy;
• We would welcome any comments or questions you may have on the FMC’s proposal or suggestions for arguments against banning U.S. imports of Spanish tile and stone.”