In 2025, the Home Furnishings Association continued to be a unified voice for furniture retailers, advocating for policies that protect and promote the industry’s vitality. From fighting burdensome tariffs to navigating shifting regulatory landscapes, HFA worked tirelessly to ensure our members’ interests were heard at every level of government. A key highlight of the year was HFA’s impactful D.C. Fly-In, where members met directly with lawmakers, federal agencies, and key regulators to spotlight the challenges facing our industry and push for practical, business-friendly solutions.
As we enter 2026, key issues such as trade restrictions and federal overregulation continue to pose serious challenges, threatening margins, stifling innovation, and limiting growth. Here’s where we stand, and why continued advocacy is more critical than ever. As the voice of home furnishings retailers, HFA wants to share key insights for our members and partners:
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Relief Today, Risk Tomorrow
At the close of 2025, President Trump announced a one-year delay on planned tariff increases affecting imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. While this action provides near-term relief, it does not resolve the broader trade challenges our industry continues to face. Read the official White House fact sheet here.
The delayed tariff increase means the current 25% rate remains in place, for now. While this postpones a cost escalation at the start of 2026, it leaves uncertainty looming on the horizon.
What it means for you: Retailers avoid an immediate spike in sourcing costs, but long-term pricing and supply planning remain at risk.
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The Policy Framework Hasn’t Changed
This delay does not alter the Section 232 tariff authority. The legal structure remains intact, and the administration retains full discretion to raise rates at any time.
What it means for you: Ongoing volatility makes it harder to lock in contracts, maintain stable prices, or plan confidently for the year ahead.
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Economic Impact Messaging Is Working
The decision to pause tariff hikes reflects growing concerns about inflation and affordability, particularly in the housing and home-related sectors. Our arguments are gaining traction.
What it means for you: Advocacy that connects tariffs to consumer costs and housing affordability is resonating. This is the moment to keep the conversation going.
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2026 Is an Advocacy Opportunity
This delay creates a valuable window for the home furnishings industry to:
- Share real-world impacts on business operations and consumer pricing
- Engage decision-makers proactively before tariff increases return
- Advocate for long-term mitigation strategies—not just temporary fixes
What it means for you: This is a critical time for collective action. HFA’s trade resilience initiative is geared to ensure your voice is heard.
Retailers Must Stay Engaged
Tariffs on cabinets and vanities don’t exist in a vacuum. They directly affect renovation budgets, new-home construction, and overall affordability—touching every part of our value chain. This delay is a testament to the power of industry advocacy, but it’s also a reminder:
- Policymakers respond to data-backed, affordability-focused messaging
- Section 232 tariffs remain a structural challenge for our industry
- This year is a chance to shape outcomes—not just absorb them
The road ahead will be shaped by the voices that speak up, and that’s where you come in. HFA’s advocacy is only as strong as the stories we bring to the table. If your business has been impacted by tariffs, shifting regulations, or federal oversight, now is the time to share your experience. Your voice can influence real change. We invite you to share your story with HFA or consider attending the 2026 D.C. Fly-In, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet policymakers face-to-face and help shape the future of our industry.
Together, we can make a lasting impact.
