The European furniture industry's collaborative organisation (EFIC), voices concern over possible new tariffs on EU furniture exports to the US following a statement by President Donald Trump.
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On August 23, President Trump announced a major investigation into furniture imports into the United States. According to the statement, 'the investigation will be completed within 50 days, and tariffs will be imposed on furniture imported from other countries at a rate yet to be determined. This is intended to bring furniture production back to the United States.
The statement came two days after the EU and the US reached a framework agreement on 'reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade.' Under the deal, the US commits to applying either the highest Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate or a 15% tariff on goods originating from the EU, while the EU agrees to remove tariffs on all US industrial goods.
EFIC is now taking action in response to President Donald Trump's statement:
"In this context, we strongly urge the European Commission to ensure that the ongoing investigation does not result in increased tariffs beyond the framework agreement applied by the US on EU furniture exports, and to protect European exporters from further instability.
Therefore, we urge the European Commission to negotiate more favourable terms with the US under Section 232 for steel and aluminium in future discussions, aiming to achieve lower tariffs on these goods."
Cecilia Ask Engström, industry manager at Swedish wood and furniture association TMF, notes that companies need clear conditions, especially given the uncertainties often triggered by new statements from Donald Trump. While the tariff measures so far are small steps and it remains unclear which rates or countries will ultimately be affected, she emphasizes that TMF is actively engaging nationally and internationally. She concludes that the collective action of the European furniture industry sends a strong signal for long-term predictability and stability."
Source: TMF
