In a recent proclamation that sent shockwaves through the furniture industry, President Donald Trump announced the United States would begin charging a 10% tariff on foreign softwood lumber and timber (the stuff that basically makes everything from your IKEA bookshelf to your CB2 dining table). But that’s just the appetizer — he’s also slapping a whopping 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and upholstered wooden furniture. So, goodbye, affordable sectionals; hello, Facebook Marketplace notifications!

Mark your calendars for October 14, 2025, when these wallet-draining tariffs kick in. But wait, there’s more! In true infomercial fashion, on January 1, 2026, Trump will increase the tariff on cabinets to an eye-watering 50% and raise the tariff on upholstered furniture to 30%. Industry experts are practically hyperventilating, warning that these tariffs will send furniture prices soaring since American manufacturers simply aren’t equipped to fill the gap left by imports. That gorgeous $2,000 sofa you’ve been eyeing? Better prepare for a $2,600 price tag – or start practicing your haggling skills at estate sales.

This economic plot twist is about to turn the secondhand furniture world into the hottest ticket in town. Your local thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace hustlers, Craigslist dealers, and that quirky vintage shop downtown are about to become the MVPs of home decorating. What was once the domain of budget-conscious college students and eco-warriors is poised to become America’s new furniture shopping norm. That slightly mysterious stain on a thrifted couch? We’re now calling that “character” and “history.”

@waltermasterson

#tariffs

♬ original sound – Walter Masterson

Tariffs, Trade Wars, and Your Living Room: What’s Really Happening?

President Trump’s furniture tariff crusade is the latest chapter in his “America First” economic saga – a bestseller with his base but a horror story for your wallet. The presidential proclamation dramatically declares that “wood products are being imported into the United States in such quantities and under such circumstances as to threaten to impair the national security of the United States.” Yes, apparently that “BJURSTA” table from Sweden is a national security threat now. Who knew?

The dream behind these tariffs is to breathe new life into American furniture manufacturing – an industry that’s been steadily declining since manufacturing went overseas faster than you can say “assembly required.” Supporters envision a renaissance in furniture hubs like North Carolina and Michigan, with factories humming and craftspeople creating American-made masterpieces. It’s a beautiful vision, but industry experts are rolling their eyes, pointing out that rebuilding our manufacturing capacity would take years. Meanwhile, we’re all sitting on the floor waiting for affordable chairs.

Critics are calling out the obvious: American consumers will be the ones immediately paying for this policy, while any benefits to domestic manufacturing remain comfortably in the “someday” category. The American Home Furnishings Alliance is predicting a furniture buying freeze as consumers either delay purchases or frantically explore alternatives to traditional retail. The irony? A policy designed to boost American manufacturing might initially boost sales of…nothing at all.

@abcnews

President Trump unveiled an array of new tariffs on consumer products such as upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and some pharmaceutical drugs. The tariffs, set to go into effect on Oct. 1, range from 25% to 100%. They are set to hike the cost of imports as some levy-induced price hikes have already taken hold. #abcnews #news #trump #tariffs #economy

♬ original sound – ABC News – ABC News

The New Furniture Economy

As new furniture prices are set to climb, we’re forecasting that the secondhand market is gearing up for its moment in the spotlight. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are about to experience a surge in activity. The competition for that mid-century modern credenza listed at $100 is going to get fiercer than ever.

Here’s the secret that vintage furniture shoppers have been trying to tell us for years: older furniture is often ridiculously better made than the stuff we buy today. That 1960s dresser with dovetail joints and solid wood construction was built to last generations, unlike its modern particleboard descendant, held together with optimism and those weird cam lock things that never quite work right. As Americans reluctantly explore the secondhand market, many will have that moment of revelation: “Wait, this 50-year-old dining table is sturdier than anything I could buy new!” And they won’t be wrong.