President Donald Trump has delayed planned increases to U.S. import tariffs on kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom (KBB) products by one year, moving the scheduled 50% rate to at least January 2027. Initially announced in September 2025, the tariffs currently impose a 25% levy on imported kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. A White House fact sheet cited ongoing "productive negotiations" with trade partners over reciprocity and national security as the reason for the delay.
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The announcement comes amid growing confusion in the furniture industry after Trump's social posts suggested higher tariffs on imported furniture, including a proposed 30% on upholstered furniture. Industry reactions have been mixed: some domestic manufacturers, like Elements, see the tariffs as a boon for production and backlog, while others warn of inflationary pressure on consumers and uncertainty in planning.
Experts note that North Carolina, with its centuries-old furniture legacy, could be pivotal politically, as one Senate seat up for election may be influenced by trade policies. Analysts also highlight that tariffs have already contributed to rising furniture prices, with the Consumer Price Index showing a 4.7% year-over-year increase by August 2025—the steepest in three years.
The administration maintains that the tariffs address "predatory trade practices" and safeguard domestic production and national security, though global markets have been rattled and U.S. allies challenged the measures. Furniture Today will continue to monitor developments as the industry and courts respond to these evolving trade policies.
