Advocacy Update: Week Ending 6.27.25

Critical Deadlines Looming: What Retailers Need To Know Right Now

A lot is happening on the trade front right now—and if you’re in the home furnishings business, it’s more than background noise. From new Section 232 tariffs on copper, lumber, and steel products to an approaching July 9 deadline that could shake up your supply chain, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Whether you’re importing furniture frames, lighting components, or finished goods, these developments affect your costs, sourcing decisions, and even how your products move through the ports.

Here’s a breakdown of the latest issues you need to know—and what they mean for your business.

Section 232: Copper, Lumber, and More Steel Tariffs

Let’s start with the new Section 232 investigations. The federal government is looking hard at whether copper and lumber imports pose a national security risk. Why should you care? Because these reviews could lead to new tariffs—up to 25%—on everything from raw lumber to finished copper fixtures and wiring. The reports are due around November, but you should start thinking now about how this might impact your sourcing and prices heading into the holiday season.

Also new: as of June 23, steel-derived products, like appliances and furniture, are now hit with 50% tariffs. Starting June 28, any aluminum import without a clear country of origin could get slapped with a 200% ad valorem duty under HTS codes 9903.85.67/68. That’s not a typo—two hundred percent.

What This Means

If you’re importing metal furniture, lighting, or hardware, these updates could seriously drive up your costs. Worse, if your suppliers can’t provide the right documentation showing where the materials were smelted or poured, you could be on the hook for full tariff rates, even if the actual material wouldn’t normally be taxed that high.

Now is the time to double-check those HTS codes and make sure your sourcing documentation is airtight.

Potential copper/lumber tariffs could spike costs mid-Q4 2025. Retailers need scenario-plan contingencies, including alternate materials or lead times, buffer stock, or domestic sourcing options.

July 9 Is Closer Than You Think

Here’s the big one: a temporary pause on tariffs for some countries ends on July 9. That’s just around the corner. If the pause isn’t extended, duties could snap back into place, affecting a wide range of imports, especially goods from countries with special trade agreements (excluding China, which has its deadlines in August).

Many retailers rushed to front-load shipments in June to beat the clock. That’s created bottlenecks at the ports and a spike in freight costs—up 18% in some lanes. Don’t be surprised if shipments take longer and cost more over the next month.

What’s Happening with Shipping?

Speaking of logistics headaches:

• Port dwell times are up about 30%,
• Freight rates continue to climb, and
• Equipment like containers and chassis is getting harder to find, especially out of Asia.

Some shippers are canceling sailings (called “blanking”) to manage capacity, which could leave you scrambling for alternatives if you’re not planning ahead.

What Should You Do?

Here’s a quick action checklist to stay on track:

Trade policy might seem far removed from your showroom floor, but as we’ve seen, it has a direct link to your costs, timelines, and bottom line. With multiple deadlines looming, tariffs changing, and shipping lanes tightening, the retailers who stay informed and proactive will come out ahead.

HFA is here to support you. We’re tracking these issues closely and advocating for smarter, fairer policies that work for retailers like you.

Let’s keep your business moving—no matter what the trade winds bring.