You may find yourself paying more for kitchen cabinets from October 14. This comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on wood imports and imported derivative products such as cabinets and upholstered furniture.
Announced in September, the 25% levy on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and parts used to manufacture these products will increase to 50% from January 1, 2026. Softwood timber and lumber will be subject to a 10% tariff rate, while upholstered wooden products such as chairs and sofas will face a 25% levy that will increase to 30% at the beginning of next year.
Exemptions for Some Imports
While imported kitchen cabinet prices are expected to increase, some price hikes won’t be as steep as others. According to the Presidential Proclamation, there are some exceptions for wood and furniture goods imported from select trading partners, thanks to the U.S.’s tariff agreements with them. These products imported from the U.K. will be subject to a 10% tariff, while those imported from the E.U. and Japan will face a 15% levy.
Lower tariffs for selected trading partners aren’t the only glimmer of hope. That wood product imports won’t face the country-specific tariffs put in place by Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act should help keep prices within reach.
Of course, kitchen cabinets manufactured in the U.S. using locally sourced wood and other components will not be subject to any tariffs. However, these may still be more expensive than cheaper furniture imported from countries such as India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
Reasons for the Tariffs
The kitchen cabinet, furniture, and wood tariffs come after a Section 232 investigation by the Commerce Department. Delivered to Trump in July, the investigation results claim the amount of these products imported into the U.S., as well as foreign trade practices related to them, threaten national security.
As a result, Trump said he wants to protect the nation’s manufacturing process, as the flood of imported goods could lead to product supply chain disruptions, the closure of wood mills, underutilization of the domestic wood industry, and a weakened economy.
The president added that the U.S. might not be able to meet the demand for wood products used for important infrastructure, housing, missile-defense systems, munitions and their transportation, operational testing, storage, and thermal-protection systems for nuclear-reentry vehicles.
The Impact on Consumers and Manufacturers
There’s no escaping the fact that consumers and manufacturers are going to pay more for kitchen cabinets and other furniture. Most companies are likely to wait and see how the tariffs affect their investment decisions, which could lead to a slowdown in their business activities.
Even though some manufacturers may be able to absorb some of the extra cost depending on their size or where they source their kitchen cabinets or materials, you might see double-digit price increases on these products. These companies probably won’t move production to the U.S., as foreign production is usually much cheaper than doing it on home ground.
As for American consumers, you might find yourself thinking twice about that kitchen remodel. Dining room, kitchen, and living room furniture prices had already increased by 9.5% between August 2024 and August 2025. If you’ve already embarked on a remodel, you might need to re-crunch the numbers due to materials or cabinets coming in at prices higher than you initially expected.
As is usually the case, low-income consumers are likely to experience the greatest impact of the new kitchen cabinet and furniture tariffs. Most of the inexpensive furniture sold locally is imported from countries that are not exempt from the higher tariffs.
Invest in Quality
While you may find yourself paying more for kitchen cabinets in the near future, quality materials, expert design, and workmanship offer years of service and add value to your property.
If you want to invest in your home, choose CSL Construction for your new build or kitchen remodel. Contact us today and find out how we can help make your vision a reality with functional, beautiful cabinetry.
