Trump Administration Delays Increased Tariffs on Upholstered Furniture, Kitchen Cabinets and Vanities by One Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald J. Trump has announced a significant shift in U.S. trade policy by delaying tariff increases on imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, pushing the effective date of higher tariffs from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027.

The decision was unveiled in a fact sheet issued on December 31, 2025, which explained that the current 25 % tariff rate on these wood products — imposed under a September 2025 proclamation — will remain in effect for another year while ongoing negotiations with international trading partners continue.

Under the original proposal, tariffs on upholstered furniture were set to rise from 25 % to 30 %, while duties on kitchen cabinets and vanities would have increased to 50 %. By postponing these hikes, the administration aims to provide temporary relief to importers, retailers, and consumers facing rising product costs linked to trade tensions and supply chain pressures.

Details of the Tariff Delay

President Trump’s proclamation invoked Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, a legal authority often used to adjust import duties on national security grounds. In this case, the administration cited the need to continue productive discussions with foreign partners over trade reciprocity and national security concerns related to wood products.

According to the White House fact sheet, the delay applies specifically to tariff increases scheduled for:

• Upholstered furniture — sofas, chairs and other seating items
• Kitchen cabinets — including built-in and modular cabinetry
• Vanities — bathroom furnishings and related fixtures

The administration determined that maintaining the 25 % tariff “for the interim period” provides policymakers with more time to negotiate adjustments while avoiding the immediate economic impact of a steep tariff increase. whitehouse.gov

Economic and Industry Impacts

Industry analysts and trade experts say the tariff delay comes amid heightened concern over inflation and household affordability, particularly for categories such as furniture and home improvement goods, which have seen prices rise ahead of general inflation in recent months. Higher tariffs were expected to exert additional cost pressures on retailers and consumers alike. CBS News

Furniture, kitchen cabinetry and bathroom fixtures are high-ticket purchases for many homeowners, and industry leaders had warned that a jump in import duties could lead to higher retail prices or supply disruptions if tariffs were implemented without sufficient lead time for adjustment. The delay can ease the transition for supply chains while allowing importers more runway to plan their sourcing strategies. New York Post

The postponement also aligns with broader political and economic dynamics, including ongoing U.S. trade negotiations and pressure from business groups concerned about the impacts of protectionist policies on consumer prices and domestic market competitiveness. LinkedIn

Political and Trade Strategy

The tariff delay reflects the Trump administration’s continued use of tariffs as a tool to influence trade balances and protect domestic industries, even as it adjusts timing and scope in response to economic feedback and stakeholder concerns. Earlier in 2025, the administration pursued a series of reciprocal tariffs on a wide range of imports under its “America First Trade Policy,” seeking to reduce trade deficits and bolster U.S. manufacturing. Wikipedia

By postponing the furniture and kitchen cabinet tariff increases, the White House is signaling a willingness to adapt trade tactics while insisting that tariffs remain part of its broader strategy to protect national security and support U.S. industries. Reuters