New US import restrictions, enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, are placing mounting pressure on European furniture exporters. The measures, introduced to address trade imbalances and boost domestic manufacturing, are particularly impacting premium brands such as De Sede, Poliform and Cassina, which rely heavily on US market access.
© Tawatchai Prakobkit | Dreamstime
Italian furniture exports alone exceeded $2 billion in 2023, according to ISTAT, highlighting the strategic importance of the US for European producers. However, increased customs scrutiny and tariffs are creating logistical and financial challenges—especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lack the resources to adapt swiftly.
The US shift is part of a wider geopolitical context, with transatlantic trade disputes increasingly playing out in World Trade Organization (WTO) forums. Meanwhile, evolving US consumer behaviour is driving demand for faster lead times and online availability—trends at odds with Europe's slower, craftsmanship-led production models.
To remain competitive, European firms are rethinking their operations. Some are exploring local US manufacturing to benefit from 'Buy American' incentives linked to recent infrastructure laws. Others are diversifying into Asian, Latin American and Gulf markets.
Industry bodies such as Confindustria and the European Furniture Industries Confederation (EFIC) have called for renewed trade dialogue between the EU and US. They argue that maintaining open markets is vital not just economically, but also to safeguard Europe's design heritage.
As the global trade landscape shifts, European furniture makers face a critical moment—balancing tradition with transformation in a climate of uncertainty and protectionism.
Source: www.ipsnews.net