Tariff Turmoil: A Firsthand Look at the Effects of Trump’s Trade Policies on High-End Furniture
By Guest Writer Bo Barkley of Method + Model Revenue Consulting
Image via Cosmos
Over the past several years, I’ve worked with both small artisan furniture makers, raw material importers, large luxury brands and everyone in between. From this vantage point, I’ve seen how Trump-era tariffs—particularly those targeting Chinese imports—reshaped the high-end furniture industry. Introduced to encourage domestic manufacturing, these policies have inadvertently triggered instability, rising costs, and widening disparities between small businesses and corporate giants.
The 2018 Shock: Small Makers Felt It First
Back in 2018, I was working with several smaller, boutique furniture companies when the first wave of tariffs was introduced. Overnight, material costs shot up—everything from metal hardware to specialty woods and raw materials became significantly more expensive.
Most organizations didn't have in-house counsel or purchasing power to fight back. Large companies, on the other hand, quickly found legal workarounds, sought product reclassifications, or negotiated new deals with suppliers to soften the blow. While small firms were making spreadsheets and stress calls, bigger companies were already rewriting contracts.
Several of our peers closed shop. We survived, but not without sacrifice.
Big Players Made Bold Moves
As the tariffs expanded, large brands used the disruption as a strategic opportunity. I saw first hand how many vendors shifted much of their production from China to India, Vietnam or Mexico—setting up facilities, training local teams, and investing in infrastructure. Tariffs didn’t eliminate foreign dependency. They just forced a shift—one that only the largest players could afford to make efficiently.
This level of pivot takes serious capital and global reach. Smaller firms, by contrast, were scrambling just to find a new source for drawer pulls that wouldn’t delay orders by 12 weeks.
“Made in America” Still Isn’t Immune
One of the biggest misconceptions that emerged during this time was the idea that “Made in America” meant freedom from tariffs. The truth is much more complicated.
Even many American-made furniture lines rely on Chinese-made components—everything from wiring and hinges to drawer slides, screws, foam, and certain textiles. These are the invisible parts of a product that consumers never see, but they’re essential.
So while the final product might be assembled in the U.S., the cost of production still rose significantly. Tariffs impacted the entire web of suppliers, and that translated to broad price increases—not just on imported furniture, but across the entire industry.
Designers Caught in the Middle
Interior designers bore the brunt of client confusion. I watched countless designers re-specify entire projects when lead times ballooned or product lines vanished. Clients were frustrated, budgets were broken, and trust had to be re-earned on every job.
Smaller makers, who once thrived on quality and customization, suddenly looked like a risky bet. Designers began favoring brands with more predictable pricing and faster fulfillment—even if it meant compromising on aesthetics.
Where Things Stand Now
Today, the industry feels split. Larger companies, with diverse sourcing strategies and global investments, weathered the storm and even came out ahead. Smaller companies are still recovering or have narrowed their scope to survive.
In theory, tariffs were about protecting American jobs and industry. In practice, they exposed the gaps between the companies that could adapt—and those that couldn’t.
Strong Relationships Are the Best Defense
Through all of this, one truth stands out: strong, transparent relationships between vendors and designers are the most effective tool for navigating uncertainty.
In a world of shifting costs and unpredictable lead times, trust and communication matter more than ever. Designers who stay closely connected to their vendors can adapt faster, find creative solutions, and keep projects on track—even when the landscape changes overnight.
Tariffs may come and go, but strong partnerships are what truly keep the industry moving forward.
