Trump October 2025 Tariffs: What They Mean for Furniture Buyers and the Future of Amish & American-Made Furniture

The U.S. furniture market is bracing for impact. President Donald Trump recently announced an investigation that could lead to new tariffs on imported furniture by October 2025. The move, positioned as a way to bring back manufacturing jobs to North Carolina, South Carolina, and Michigan, could dramatically reshape the industry — from big-box retailers to small Amish furniture makers located in Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania  who proudly represent the best in American-made furniture.

Why the Tariffs Matter

In late August 2025, Trump posted that a “major Tariff Investigation on Furniture” had begun, with results expected in 50 days. This investigation is being carried out under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, which ties tariffs to national security concerns.

Currently:

• 30% tariffs are already applied to Chinese furniture imports.
• 20% tariffs are placed on Vietnamese furniture.
• The new plan would replace, not add to, existing tariffs.

Given that Vietnam and China supply nearly 60% of U.S. furniture imports, the policy could shake up the entire supply chain.

Impact on Big Retailers vs. Domestic Brands

News of the potential tariffs sent shockwaves through Wall Street:

• Wayfair, Williams-Sonoma, and RH (Restoration Hardware) stocks all dropped, as these brands rely heavily on overseas imports.
• La-Z-Boy and Ethan Allen, which still maintain some U.S. manufacturing, saw modest gains.

This shift underscores a broader trend: retailers dependent on imports may struggle, while domestic and Amish furniture makers could see a boost in demand.

What It Means for Consumers

For American households, the tariffs could have several effects:

1. Higher Prices – Economists predict tariffs will raise prices for imported furniture. Some suppliers may absorb costs, but many will pass them to shoppers.
2. Ripple Effect on U.S. Furniture – Even American-made furniture could become more expensive, as tariffs raise the cost of imported parts and reduce competition.
3. Shift Toward Domestic Craftsmanship – Buyers may turn to Amish furniture and U.S.-made pieces as a long-term, durable alternative to mass-produced imports.

Jason Miller, a supply chain professor at Michigan State University, noted that furniture prices have already risen 1.4% over three months in mid-2025, reversing a long-term trend of price declines.

Could Tariffs Revive U.S. Manufacturing?

Trump insists these tariffs will “bring the Furniture Business back” to America’s heartland. But experts remain skeptical:

• National security justification questioned – Industry groups argue furniture imports don’t pose a true security risk.
• Limited reshoring potential – While Amish and American furniture makers may benefit, large-scale manufacturing requires years of investment.
• Short-term inflation risk – Prices are likely to rise before any job growth materializes.

Still, the tariffs may give American-made furniture brands — especially those emphasizing quality craftsmanship like Amish furniture — a competitive edge in consumer perception.

Amish & American-Made Furniture: A Silver Lining

If tariffs raise prices across the board, buyers may finally recognize the value of durable, handcrafted furniture. Amish and U.S.-based manufacturers have long promoted:

• Sustainability – Solid wood, locally sourced, eco-friendly practices.
• Longevity – Heirloom-quality furniture versus mass-produced imports.
• Local Jobs – Direct support for American communities.

For buyers, choosing Amish furniture or American-made furniture could become both a patriotic and practical decision.

Final Thoughts

The upcoming Trump October 2025 tariffs represent one of the biggest shake-ups the furniture industry has faced in decades. While uncertainty remains — including the exact tariff rate — the likely outcome is higher prices for imports and a renewed spotlight on American-made furniture.

For consumers, the message is clear: if you’re planning a big purchase, now may be the time. And if you want furniture that lasts generations, investing in Amish furniture or American-made brands might not just be the smarter buy — it could soon be the more affordable one, too.

Sources

[1] PBS – Trump promises to revive NC furniture industry: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/watch-trump-promises-to-revive-north-carolina-furniture-industry-like-magic
[2] Furniture Today – Trump signals possible new tariffs on imported furniture: https://www.furnituretoday.com/tariffs/trump-signals-possible-new-tariffs-on-imported-furniture/
[3] KOMU – Higher tariffs on furniture to be announced within next 50 days: https://www.komu.com/news/higher-tariffs-on-furniture-to-be-announced-within-next-50-days-trump-says/article_1d2fc1d0-8316-571e-88ed-f4dc4b40c1f1.html
[4] ABC News – Trump vows tariffs will raise prices: https://abcnews.go.com/Business/trump-vows-impose-furniture-tariffs-prices/story?id=124948334
[7] WSJ – Furniture stocks react to tariff news: https://www.wsj.com/business/furniture-stocks-imports-trump-tariffs-aa99768d
[9] Investors – Stock price impact on RH, Williams-Sonoma, Wayfair: https://www.investors.com/news/rh-stock-williams-sonoma-wayfair-trump-furniture-tariffs-la-z-boy-ethan-allen/