The Home Furnishings Association (HFA), representing over 1,400 US furniture retailers, has raised alarms about new tariffs announced by former President Donald Trump. The group warned members on Friday that 30% to 50% tariffs on select furniture and cabinetry – set to take effect October 1 – could disrupt supply chains and force price hikes for consumers already grappling with inflation.
In an official alert, the HFA noted: "Higher costs from tariffs may need to be passed along to consumers, which could dampen demand." The association highlighted particular uncertainty around whether wood furniture and casegoods will fall under the "associated products" category subject to tariffs.
Industry Leaders Voice Concerns
Dennis Hendriks of luxury furniture wholesaler Eichholtz told Furniture Today that reviving US manufacturing through tariffs is "wishful thinking," citing lack of production infrastructure: "Who will produce the demand? You need factories and workers."
Jofran Inc. executive John Miranda compared the situation to "being handed a plain white ball and told to develop a game plan – but not knowing what sport we're playing." His LinkedIn post emphasized the challenges of strategic planning amid unclear regulations.
Economic Context
Recent US Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows furniture prices rising faster than overall inflation for three consecutive months, with a 0.7% seasonally adjusted increase in August for key categories. Industry analysts suggest new tariffs could exacerbate these trends while failing to achieve stated goals of reviving domestic manufacturing.
