A 50-day study on furniture imports that could reshape the competitive landscape for U.S. retailers. While details remain limited, the probe is widely viewed as part of an ongoing Section 232 national security investigation at the Commerce Department, originally launched in March 2025 to cover timber, lumber, and derivative products — including wooden furniture and cabinetry.
For reference, recent Section 232 investigations have led to tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper. Unlike the reciprocal tariffs, which are connected to presidential authorities under IEEPA, there is a process in place for the Department of Commerce to accept public comments. HFA supported various public comments on the Section 232 timber/lumber investigation earlier this year.
What’s Happening?
On August 22, 2025, President Trump stated that his administration would complete a tariff investigation on imported furniture within 50 days, after which a tariff rate would be set. Markets reacted quickly: import-heavy retailers like Wayfair, RH, Williams-Sonoma, and Arhaus saw shares dip, while domestic producers such as La-Z-Boy and Ethan Allen showed modest gains.
The 50-day deadline points to a target date of mid-October 2025, though legally the Commerce Department has up to 270 days to submit findings under Section 232, followed by 90 days for presidential action. The “50 days” is more of a political goal than a statutory requirement. It also underscores the urgency and focus on this issue for the President. Another consideration is that the reciprocal IEEPA tariffs are pending a legal challenge, while remaining in place. There could be another decision on the IEEPA tariffs, which will likely be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Why It Matters
- Top Suppliers at Risk: Vietnam (≈35%) and China (≈26%) dominate U.S. furniture imports.
- Tariff Stacking: Many Chinese categories already face 25% Section 301 duties, plus a long-standing antidumping order on wooden bedroom furniture. A new Section 232 tariff could stack additional costs.
- Winners & Losers: Import-heavy retailers may face higher costs and margin pressure, while domestic producers may gain a relative advantage.
- Industry Pushback: Trade groups are already questioning whether a national-security rationale for furniture tariffs is justified.
What’s Unknown
- Which categories will be targeted (wood vs. upholstered, bedroom vs. living room)?
- In previous Section 232 investigations, broader product HTS codes have been referenced, which would potentially apply to components and finished goods.
- Will tariffs be applied to all origins, or only specific countries?
- Historically, Section 232 decisions have been broad, but country-specific rates have been set (ie, recent trade announcements with the Trump Administration and the UK)
- What rate will be chosen — 5%, 10%, 25%, or higher?
- President Trump has a track record of exceeding the Commerce Department recommendations on rates (typically, he sets them higher)
- Will there be exemptions, exclusions, or phased-in schedules?
- No recent precedent for any of these considerations
Action Plan for Retailers
- Map Your HTS Codes: Know exactly which tariff lines cover your SKUs.
- Scenario Model: Run cost projections at different tariff levels (+5%, +10%, +25%).
- Inventory Strategy: Weigh the risks of pull-forward buying before tariffs hit.
- Sourcing Flexibility: Explore nearshoring and domestic options, and review contract terms.
- Stay Engaged: Watch for Commerce Department filings in the Section 232 docket and prepare to submit comments with data on jobs, pricing, and consumer impacts.
While the 50-day timeline adds urgency, much about the tariff scope and rate remains uncertain. Retailers should prepare now by mapping exposure, building contingency models, and engaging in the policy process. Whether this investigation results in new duties or not, trade policy will continue to play a defining role in the U.S. home furnishings market.
The Home Furnishings Association will continue to track these developments and advocate for policies that support a stable and competitive retail environment. We encourage members to reach out with questions or concerns as these situations evolve.
Stay connected. Stay prepared. And count on HFA to keep you informed every step of the way.
