President Donald Trump has renewed his focus on North Carolina's historic furniture industry, vowing "substantial tariffs" on imports in a Truth Social post. He argued the state had "completely lost its furniture business to China and other countries" and pledged to restore U.S. manufacturing.
© Andreykr | Dreamstime
The comments add to uncertainty following his earlier announcement of a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture and a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, due to take effect this week. Analysts note that the measures have already lifted consumer prices, with the Consumer Price Index showing a 4.7% year-on-year increase in furniture and bedding cost, the sharpest rise in three years.
Industry reaction remains mixed. Elements CEO Paul Comrie said tariffs were driving strong backlogs at U.S. plants, giving domestic producers a pricing advantage. But others, including consultants and advisors, warned that higher costs would ripple through the supply chain, heightening inflation concerns and hurting retailers.
The policy could also carry political implications, with North Carolina considered a key battleground in the 2026 Senate race. The Supreme Court is expected to review the president's use of emergency powers to justify sweeping tariffs later this year.
Source: www.furnituretoday.com
