US President Donald Trump Pauses Massive US Tariff Implementation on Furniture, Cabinets for 1 Year

President Donald Trump signed an order Wednesday delaying the implementation of steep tariff hikes on imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for one year. The move comes as consumers express growing anxiety over the cost of living and inflation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The decision pushes back the planned hike until 2027, maintaining current rates while administration officials continue trade negotiations.

Donald Trump Tariffs Delay Aimed at Negotiations

The executive order, signed during the New Year’s Eve holiday, puts a hold on scheduled increases that were set to take effect on January 1. The tariffs, originally established under a September proclamation citing national security concerns, were set to increase significantly on New Year’s Day 2026. The new order pauses the implementation of a 50 percent tariff on kitchen cabinets.

Without this pause, tariffs on kitchen cabinets and vanities would have jumped to 50 percent, while upholstered furniture faced a 30 percent levy. According to administration officials, the decision to hold off on the increases is tied to ongoing trade discussions.

The White House indicated that the delay of the tariffs is intended to facilitate further talks with international partners regarding wood product imports. In a statement explaining the rationale, the White House stated, “Given the ongoing productive negotiations regarding the imports of wood products, the President is delaying the tariff increase to allow for further negotiations to occur with other countries.”

While the future hikes are paused, the existing 25 percent tariff on these goods—implemented in September—remains in effect. At the time, President Trump characterized those initial furniture tariffs as necessary measures to bolster domestic industry and protect national security.

Cost of Living Concerns and Economic Impact

The delay occurs against a backdrop of economic apprehension among American voters. Recent polling suggests that rising prices remain a primary concern for the public as the midterm election cycle begins. A Politico poll released in December highlighted these sentiments, finding that nearly one-third of respondents blame tariffs for high prices.

Conversely, President Trump continues to defend his economic record, pointing to a 4.3 percent growth rate in the third quarter of 2025 as evidence of success. In a related trade development, the administration also adjusted proposed duties on Italian food imports. Following threats of tariffs as high as 92 percent on certain pasta companies, the Department of Commerce agreed to significantly lower rates for specific producers.

According to Italian officials, the U.S. will reduce duties to 2.26 percent for La Molisana and 13.98 percent for Garofalo. Other companies will see a rate of roughly 9 percent. The Italian foreign ministry welcomed the de-escalation. The Italian foreign ministry stated, “The recalculation of the duties is a sign that US authorities recognise our companies’ constructive willingness to cooperate.”

As reported by The Hill, Trump wrote on Truth Social last month “The TARIFFS are responsible for the GREAT USA Economic Numbers JUST ANNOUNCED…AND THEY WILL ONLY GET BETTER!” The delay on furniture and cabinet tariffs is effective immediately, keeping the current 25 percent rate in place through the coming year.