President Donald Trump announced Friday that his administration is considering tariffs on furniture imports, with an investigation underway and a report expected within 50 days.
The move reinforces Trump’s America First agenda, with policies aimed at reshoring manufacturing and building the domestic labor market.
Prospective tariff rates are still undetermined, the president said. It is unclear if the rates will vary by nation.
The U.S. Commerce Department is tasked with undertaking the inquiry, with a full economic analysis expected to include reviews of any price dumping schemes—in which businesses sell below cost to drive out competition and gain market share.
Investors shied away from some furniture retailer stocks in after-hours trading on Friday following the news, with Wayfair and RH—the brand formerly known as Restoration Hardware—falling more than 6 percent, among others.
The potential impact on consumers and retail prices remains to be seen, although those wary of the plan are warning that supply chain disruptions and higher prices are incoming.
“Retailers must prepare for potential fluctuations in costs and find strategies to maintain profitability while keeping products affordable for consumers.”
American craftsmanship has produced quality wood furniture since the early 17th century, but the industry dwindled in recent decades as many manufacturing operations shifted to Asia.
Approximately $26.4 billion worth of furniture came into the country in 2024, including more than $7 billion from Vietnam, nearly $6 billion from China, and about $3 billion from Canada, among others, the group’s data reveals.
During the same period, almost $3 billion of furniture was exported from the United States, with the Canadian market by far the largest at more than $1.5 billion, and Mexico’s $312 million placing second. Smaller markets included the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Australia, among others.
Since taking office for a second term, Trump has ramped up the use of tariffs to protect local industries while also generating revenue.
