Effective April 6, 2026, the Trump Administration has modified the existing Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper products through a new Administrative Proclamation. While the updated policy may simplify compliance in some cases, it could also significantly increase costs for many importers, including businesses across the home furnishings industry.
Previously, importers of record applied a 50% tariff only to the metal content value of covered imported products, based on their Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications found in the following Annexes. Under the new policy, tariffs will now apply to the full customs value of the product, rather than just the value of the metal content.
That change is important. For retailers, importers, and suppliers handling furniture and furniture-related goods with metal components, this shift could materially affect landed costs, sourcing strategies, and pricing decisions.
What’s Changing
Under the new proclamation:
- Articles made entirely or almost entirely of aluminum, steel, or copper will be subject to a flat 50% tariff on the full customs value of the product.
- Examples include steel coils and aluminum sheets.
- Derivative articles substantially made of steel, aluminum, or copper will be subject to a flat 25% tariff on the full customs value.
- Certain metal-intensive industrial equipment and electrical grid equipment will be subject to a 15% tariff through 2027.
- Products made abroad but entirely with American steel, aluminum, and copper will be eligible for a lower 10% tariff.
- Products made with 15% or less steel, aluminum, or copper will no longer be subject to Section 232 metals tariffs.
Why This Matters to Home Furnishings Retailers
Many products sold in the home furnishings space contain metal components, whether in frames, mechanisms, hardware, bases, supports, or accent materials. Even when metal is not the primary material, these changes may still affect whether a product is subject to duties, depending on its classification and the amount of steel, aluminum, or copper it contains.
One especially important point for HFA members: within the category of products with a de minimis metal component—defined here as 15% or less steel, aluminum, or copper—several furniture-related HTS codes are referenced in Annex II.
HFA strongly encourages members to review the Annexes carefully and compare the referenced HTS codes against current product lines, sourcing arrangements, and import classifications. For some companies, this could create an opportunity for relief. For others, it may require immediate reevaluation of product composition, documentation, and cost forecasting.
Key Considerations for Members
If your business imports furniture or furniture-related products with steel, aluminum, or copper content, now is the time to:
- Review your HTS classifications
- Confirm whether any imported furniture, components, or related goods fall within the covered HTS codes listed in the Annexes.
- Assess product material composition.
- Determine whether affected products are made entirely, substantially, or minimally of steel, aluminum, or copper.
- Model the cost impact.
- Because tariffs now apply to the full customs value rather than only the metal content value, the total duty exposure may increase significantly.
- Coordinate with customs brokers and trade counsel.
- Members should work with their trade compliance partners to verify how these changes apply to specific imports.
- Identify possible de minimis exemptions.
- Products with 15% or less steel, aluminum, or copper may no longer be subject to Section 232 metals tariffs, potentially affecting sourcing and classification strategies.
Interested in speaking to legislators in person?
Participate in the HFA Washington DC Fly-In, May 19-21, 2026. This strategic fly-in event is designed to elevate the voice of furniture retailers on Capitol Hill. In a series of high-impact meetings with lawmakers, policymakers, and trade officials, HFA members can make a powerful case for reform on critical issues, including tariffs, tax policy, manufacturing challenges, and regulatory overreach. For more details, contact Peter Theran, ptheran@nahfa.org
HFA will continue to monitor these developments and advocate for policies that support a stable, competitive environment for home furnishings retailers.
