CARMICHAEL, Calif. — In a statement provided to Furniture Today, Home Furnishings Assn. CEO Shannon Williams shared the organization’s stance that tariffs will hinder the greater furniture industry and American consumers.
In her statement, Williams noted actions by Chinese and Vietnamese manufacturers to help offset some of the burden.
Additionally, Williams reiterated her opinion on the possibility of tariffs helping to reshore manufacturing, noting that it would take years to feel a notable positive impact.
“Tariffs will directly raise prices for American consumers. The furniture industry depends on a global supply chain, with a significant portion of production based in Asia,” Williams wrote. “Even domestically made furniture often relies on imported components that would be subject to tariff increases.
“Since these new tariffs have taken effect, manufacturers in China and Vietnam have responded by offsetting some of these costs through deep discounts and low ocean freight rates, helping U.S. retailers keep prices stable for consumers.
“While many in the industry support the long-term goal of reshoring manufacturing, the reality is that it will take at least a decade to scale domestic production. Permitting, training a skilled workforce, and managing the higher costs of U.S. manufacturing are significant hurdles. Applying steep tariffs during this transition period only hurts the American consumer, who will bear the burden of price increases ranging from 10% to 46%. It’s a tax on working families while we’re still building the infrastructure to compete.”
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