Trump Delays Tariff Increase on Some Furniture Imports for One Year
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump signed an order on New Year’s Eve delaying a planned tariff hike on certain types of furniture for one year, citing ongoing trade negotiations, according to The Associated Press (AP).
Under the order, the current 25% tariffs imposed in September will remain in place, while the higher rates that were scheduled to take effect on January 1 will be postponed for another year. The delayed increases include:
- 30% on upholstered furniture
- 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities/units
The proposed increases were part of a broader package of import taxes the administration has pursued to address trade imbalances and other policy priorities. Trump has previously argued that tariffs on furniture are necessary to “strengthen American industry and protect national security.”
A new twist in Trump’s tariff strategy
The delay is the latest example of the shifting approach that has characterized Trump’s tariff policies since returning to office. The administration has at times announced tariffs with little notice—then delayed, adjusted, or reversed them quickly depending on negotiations and market conditions.
Italy pasta tariffs may also be reduced
In a separate development, the Trump administration also signaled it could step back from imposing steep tariffs on Italian pasta that were projected to reach up to 107%.
The United States had threatened the high rates after the U.S. Department of Commerce launched what it described as a routine anti-dumping review. Following a new review, the Commerce Department said tariffs on Italian pasta imports would be reduced to a range of 2.26% to 13.89%, after manufacturers addressed several concerns raised by the department.
A final decision on the Italian pasta tariffs is scheduled for March 12.