U.S. Delays Tariff Increases on Furniture and Cabinets

The U.S. government has announced a one-year delay on planned tariff increases for upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, offering temporary relief to importers, retailers, and logistics providers navigating ongoing trade uncertainty.

According to a White House fact sheet released Wednesday, the current 25% tariff on these wood-based products will remain in place for another year. The delay prevents a previously scheduled increase that would have raised tariffs on kitchen cabinets and vanities to 50%, and on upholstered furniture—such as sofas, couches, and chairs—to 30%.

The tariffs were first introduced on October 14 under a Section 232 investigation, which concluded that heavy reliance on imported timber, lumber, and wood products could pose risks to U.S. national security, domestic manufacturing, and the construction industry. While the administration continues negotiations with global trading partners, it has opted to pause further increases to allow more time for discussion.

Some exceptions remain in place for countries that have reached trade agreements with the U.S., including the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union. Meanwhile, talks focused on “trade reciprocity and national security concerns” around wood product imports are ongoing.

What This Means for Shippers and Retailers

Despite the delay, tariff uncertainty continues to shape business decisions across the furniture and home goods sector. Retailers have already adjusted pricing and sourcing strategies to manage cost pressures.

• Lovesac has rolled out a tariff mitigation plan that includes selective price increases, supplier negotiations, and sourcing diversification.

• La-Z-Boy raised prices after the initial 25% tariff took effect and has indicated it may hold prices steady even if duties rise in the future.

How B&J Supports Clients in a Shifting Trade Environment

For importers and distributors, tariff changes don’t just affect product costs—they directly impact inventory planning, warehousing strategy, and cross-border logistics.

As a logistics and warehousing provider, B&J Warehousing & Distribution helps furniture and home goods brands stay agile during periods of trade volatility by offering:

• Flexible warehousing solutions to manage inventory timing amid tariff delays or accelerations

• Cross-border coordination to support U.S.–Canada distribution strategies

• Distribution and fulfillment services that help brands reposition stock closer to end markets

• Operational visibility that allows clients to adjust import and delivery plans as trade policies evolve

While the tariff delay provides short-term breathing room, long-term uncertainty remains. Strategic logistics planning—supported by reliable warehousing and distribution partners—continues to be essential for businesses operating in today’s global trade environment.