President Trump on Thursday said the U.S. would impose tariffs of 30% to 50% on some kinds of furniture and cabinetry, calling it a matter of national security.
Why it matters: Trump previously threatened to tariff furniture in the name of reviving the domestic industry — despite opposition from that industry itself, which warned of higher costs.
How it works: Starting Oct. 1, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and "associated products" will face a 50% tariff, Trump said in a Truth Social post.
- Upholstered furniture will face a 30% tariff.
What they're saying: "The reason for this is the large scale 'FLOODING' of these products into the United States by other outside Countries. It is a very unfair practice, but we must protect, for National Security and other reasons, our Manufacturing process," Trump wrote.
By the numbers: Shares in some major furniture retailers were sharply lower late Thursday on the news, with Wayfair and RH both off about 5%.
Between the lines: In the first half of 2025, the U.S. imported more than $20 billion worth of consumer furniture, per Census Bureau data.
- It's one of the largest category of consumer goods imports, at roughly the same level as toys, appliances and cotton apparel.
- Leading exporters to the U.S. include Vietnam and China, as well as Canada and Mexico.
- The rise in imports offset the steady decline of the domestic industry. A 2020 Richmond Fed paper, for example, noted that North Carolina lost half its furniture-making jobs in a decade after the lowering of trade barriers with China.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
