Tariffs Tighten on Furniture and Wood
Michelle Schulz Explains What’s Ahead for U.S. Buyers and Businesses
International trade attorney Michelle Schulz outlines how new furniture and cabinetry tariffs—rising as high as 50%—are set to increase prices and pressure both importers and consumers.
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New Tariffs Take Effect
During her interview with WBAP Radio in Dallas–Fort Worth, Michelle Schulz confirmed that the latest round of tariffs is already being felt across the furniture and cabinetry markets.
“As of Tuesday, the new thing is furniture, wood cabinetry, kitchen cabinets that are imported are subject to a 25% tariff,” she said. “Vanities and associated products also 25%. Furniture and other cabinetry can go up to 50%, and we’re expecting this to increase to 50% for everything by January 1.”
Schulz noted that the changes are happening fast and may continue to fluctuate:
“I can’t predict if this will really happen or if this will change again, but this week, it’s happening.”
Rising Costs and Consumer Confusion
When asked whether consumers can see the tariff costs reflected in retail prices, Schulz explained that it’s not always transparent.
“You might see a line that shows a tariff charge—or you might not,” she said. “There’s no requirement that a company show you which part is the tariff. But our clients are hiking up prices because they can’t keep up.”
With supply chains still strained from earlier trade actions, the combination of new duties and high material costs could make furniture, cabinetry, and home goods even more expensive heading into 2026.
How Tariffs Are Applied
Schulz also broke down how tariffs are actually assessed—a common source of confusion among consumers.
“The tariff is assessed at the time of customs entry,” she said. “Your tariff depends on what the tariff code was for the item at the time of entry. If you import a complete piece of furniture, you pay the tariff on the complete piece. If you’re importing components to assemble here, the tariff is on the components coming in.”
She added that correct classification is critical: “
It’s important to understand whether your tariff coding is correct. If it’s not, you could be overpaying—or facing compliance problems later.”
Tariff classifications, rates, and enforcement are shifting rapidly—and they directly affect your bottom line.
If your business imports furniture, wood products, or other home goods, contact Schulz Trade Consulting today to review your tariff codes, ensure compliance, and identify cost-saving opportunities before the next round of increases.