In recent years the global market for furniture ecommerce has grown into a powerhouse, with projections pointing to
US $1.09 trillion by 2034. In the U.S. alone the furniture market was valued at about
US $172 billion in 2024, with expected annual growth of 6.2 % from 2025 to 2033.
For global e-commerce sellers this signals huge potential—but also growing complexity. Now, with the U.S. government rolling out new tariffs on imported wood, upholstered furniture and cabinetry, the stakes in furniture ecommerce are shifting fast. The challenge isn’t just growth anymore—it’s how you respond when policy changes impact costs, supply chains and competitiveness.
This blog takes a hard look at the new tariffs, what they mean for global sellers, and how to stay ahead in the changing landscape of the ecommerce furniture industry.
Policy breakdown: what furniture products are affected?
To understand the implications, it’s important to clarify exactly which products the tariffs target.
To understand the full impact of the recent
trump furniture tariffs, let’s review the
official White House announcement outlining the specific product categories subject to additional duties.
Tariff scope
The new tariffs mainly target the following categories:
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Softwood lumber: Widely used in construction, furniture manufacturing, and craft products
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Upholstered furniture: Includes sofas, chairs, and other wood-framed furniture
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Kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities: Covers both complete pieces and components
The announcement also notes that certain regions—such as the U.K., the European Union, and Japan—may receive exemptions or reduced rates under existing trade agreements, while exporters from other markets could face full tariff levels.
Tariff rates and timeline
October 14, 2025 (U.S. Eastern Time): New tariffs take effect.
January 1, 2026: Further increases are planned.
These tariffs are imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1974, justified on the grounds of national security. The U.S. government argues that overreliance on imported wood and related materials threatens domestic industries and infrastructure, prompting protective measures for local manufacturers.
How do the new tariffs impact global sellers?
Global sellers will face challenges in three main areas: costs, supply chain stability, and market competition.
Cost and profit pressure
The tariffs will raise import costs significantly. For example, a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture means each unit’s cost increases by a quarter. According to Old House Journal, the price of a standard bathroom vanity in the U.S. ranges from $100 to $2,600, with custom pieces reaching $2,800 or more. Such increases strain profitability, while U.S. consumers, already facing rising housing and interest costs, may delay purchases or renovations.
Supply chain instability
The tariffs may disrupt long-established supply chains. The U.S. furniture market relies heavily on diverse international supply sources, including Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. With the new policy in place, many supply relationships and the whole ecommerce furniture industry are being reevaluated.
Raw material prices—especially wood and hardware—are climbing due to import restrictions, and long-term suppliers need to renegotiate contracts. Meanwhile, American retailers are seeking alternative sourcing hubs in countries like Mexico, Vietnam, UK, or Japan to mitigate tariff exposure. These shifts are disrupting established logistics networks and forcing sellers to rethink their global production strategies.
Market competition
Higher costs may force sellers to raise prices, weakening competitiveness against domestic manufacturers. Those unable to differentiate products or establish a strong brand risk entering a price war with shrinking margins. The current environment in the U.S. furniture sector reflects this disruption, and sellers must act strategically to maintain market share.
How global furniture sellers can respond? 3 strategies
Sellers must adapt across three critical areas—supply chain, pricing, and sales channels—to stay resilient and maintain competitiveness in the furniture ecommerce market.
Diversify markets to spread risk
Sellers heavily dependent on the U.S., especially on major marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, face heightened exposure. Expanding to multiple markets can mitigate risk. For example, you can build a branded store for greater autonomy and flexibility：
Strengthen supply chain and inventory management
Beyond expanding market reach, sellers should establish stable international supply partnerships and leverage inventory management tools to enhance operational efficiency.
On the logistics side, overseas warehousing (combining freight forwarding, storage, and local delivery) shortens shipping times and reduces per-unit costs. Two transport models can further improve efficiency:
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Full-container shipping: Ideal for bulk orders, offering lower average costs.
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Consolidated sea freight: Suitable for small to mid-size sellers, combining multiple shipments in one container to lower individual costs—though requiring early inventory planning due to longer lead times.
These approaches can significantly mitigate the impact of tariffs and minimize reliance on costly air freight.
Adjust pricing strategies with transparency
Tariff-driven cost increases demand
flexible and transparent pricing.
Sellers can conduct cost analyses to adjust prices strategically based on new import duties and logistics expenses. Platforms like Shoplazza allow bulk price editing for efficient catalog updates.
Tax transparency also matters—since U.S. state tax rates vary widely, Shoplazza enables sellers to set precise regional sales taxes and display them clearly at checkout. Its integration with
Avalara automates tax calculations by location, ensuring full compliance.
Promotional tactics such as limited-time discounts, bundle deals, and free gifts can help offset customers’ sensitivity to higher prices. For premium furniture items, installment plans or value-added services can further boost conversion rates and maintain customer trust.
As trump tariff on furniture, agility has never been more crucial. Sellers who diversify markets, optimize operations, and strengthen brand control will be best positioned to weather policy shifts and seize new growth opportunities.
Conclusion
The new U.S. tariff policy undoubtedly challenges global furniture ecommerce sellers, yet it also underscores the importance of diversifying supply chains and market layouts. With proper strategies, sellers can reduce risks and maintain steady growth. Shoplazza supports this transition with multi-language, multi-market features and flexible product and marketing tools, helping brands stay agile amid policy changes.
FAQ about new furniture tariff
Q1: Which exporting countries are affected by the new tariffs?
The new U.S. tariff policy applies to all wood, furniture, and cabinetry products exported to the United States. Whether the goods originate from China, Vietnam, or other countries, they fall within the taxable range once imported into the U.S.
Q2: Will these higher tariffs remain long-term?
According to the official announcement, rates will rise again in 2026. However, future adjustments could depend on trade negotiations. Sellers should stay updated with notices from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
Q3: How can branded stores help sellers mitigate tariff risks?
Branded stores enable multi-language and multi-market operations, helping sellers serve diverse regions and reduce reliance on a single market. They also allow flexible price and product adjustments, giving sellers more room to adapt when trade policies fluctuate.