A new 25% U.S. tariff on imported upholstered furniture—set to rise to 30% in 2026—is reshaping the high-end design world and squeezing firms that rely on European craftsmanship, Fast Company writes.
Because tariffs vary by country and even material origin, costs have become unpredictable, complicating sourcing for designers and manufacturers alike.
The policy aims to steer production back to the U.S., but reshoring comes with higher labor costs, limited skilled workers and continued dependence on imported materials. Even domestic brands are feeling the strain: American Signature recently filed for bankruptcy, citing tariff pressures.
While mass-market furniture is heavily sourced from Asia, many boutique studios depend on heritage makers in Italy and the U.K. Designers say clients still want globally sourced statement pieces, but tighter margins, rising prices and dwindling domestic inventory are making those projects harder to pull off.
