🛋️ Ever thought your next sofa might cost a fortune? U.S. furniture retailers are bracing for just that after President Trump announced 30–50% tariffs on certain furniture and cabinetry, effective October 1. The Home Furnishings Association, representing over 1,400 stores nationwide, says these new fees could hit wallets and supply chains hard.
💸 Retailers worry higher import costs will trickle down to consumers already juggling tight budgets. With families cutting back on big purchases, passing on extra fees could dampen demand. Sourcing decisions, vendor partnerships and long-term merchandising plans all hang in the balance.
🔎 A big question mark remains over which items fall under the so-called associated products. If wood furniture and casegoods are included, the impact could be even wider—but until Washington releases a clear list, no one knows for sure.
📈 The timing feels tough. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show furniture prices climbed faster than overall inflation for the third month in a row in August, with living room, kitchen and dining room pieces up 0.7% compared to other goods.
🏭 Dennis Hendriks of luxury wholesaler Eichholtz says it’s wishful thinking to expect tariffs alone to revive big-scale upholstery production in the U.S. You need factories and trained workers to meet demand, and retailers don’t want to saddle customers with steeper prices.
⚽️ Over at Jofran Inc., EVP John Miranda compares the uncertainty to being handed a blank ball, without knowing if it’s meant for soccer, baseball or golf. How do you set up a winning game plan when the rules can shift overnight?
As October approaches, furniture shops face tough calls. Will they absorb the extra costs, or pass them on? One thing is clear: the tariff playbook keeps everyone guessing. 🤷♀️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
