Trump Invokes Section 232 to Delay US Furniture and Cabinet Tariff Hikes Until 2027

US President Donald Trump has formally signed a presidential proclamation invoking Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, postponing planned tariff increases on a range of wood-related products, including upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.

Issued on the eve of the tariffs' scheduled implementation date of 1 January 2026, the proclamation keeps the current 25% tariff level in place until 1 January 2027. The White House said the move is intended to ease consumer price pressures while allowing additional time for negotiations with relevant countries over timber and wood product imports.

Background: Original Tariff Plans Under Section 232

In March 2025, President Trump directed the US Department of Commerce to launch an investigation into imports of wood and wood products on national security grounds. Following the probe, US Customs announced on 10 October 2025 the imposition of ad valorem duties ranging from 10% to 25% on imported softwood lumber, upholstered wooden furniture, and finished kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and related components. These duties took effect on 14 October 2025.

Subsequently, on 29 September 2025 local time, President Trump signed an order declaring that imports of timber, lumber and wood products posed a threat to US national security, citing a 'flood of foreign products'. Under this order, further tariff increases were scheduled to begin on 1 January 2026. Tariffs on upholstered furniture were set to rise from 25% to 30%, while duties on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities were to increase from 25% to 50%.

One-Year Delay Confirmed

Under the newly signed proclamation, these planned tariff increases have been deferred by one year. From 1 January 2026 through 31 December 2026, the existing 25% tariff rate will remain in force, with the higher duties now scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.

The delay applies primarily to imports from China, Vietnam, Canada and other countries. Affected products include cork wood and panels, upholstered wooden furniture, and finished kitchen cabinets, dressing tables and parts. The products are identified under multiple HTSUS codes, including 4403, 4406, 4407, 9401 and 9403 series classifications, and are treated as wood derivatives subject to Section 232 national security tariffs.

Reasons Behind the Decision

According to the White House, the principal rationale for the postponement is to provide additional time to conclude agreements with importing nations on wood and timber products. The administration said 'productive negotiations' are ongoing and that a delay would help prevent trade disruptions while 'safeguarding national security and promoting fair trade'.

The decision also comes amid broader economic and political considerations. Furniture prices have already risen under existing tariffs, contributing to inflationary pressures and voter dissatisfaction over the cost of living. With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the Trump administration has faced mounting pressure to moderate certain trade measures.

Industry lobbying further influenced the move. Groups including the American Furniture Manufacturers Association warned that sharply higher tariffs could result in job losses and supply chain disruptions across the US furniture and cabinetry sector.