he furniture industry is anticipating a potential drop in orders in the coming months as President Donald Trump slaps new tariffs on imported wood products, alongside his broader “reciprocal” tariffs against goods shipped to the United States from around the world.
Starting on Oct. 14, timber and lumber imports will face a special 10 percent duty, while kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and upholstered furniture will be hit with a 25 percent tariff under Section 232 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
Trump has justified his latest tariff move in a presidential proclamation, saying imports of such goods were weakening the US economy and eroding national security.
The tariffs are set to rise to 30 percent for upholstered wood products starting on Jan. 1, 2026, while countries that fail to reach an agreement with the US can expect to see a rate of 50 percent imposed on cabinets and vanities.
Read also: US tariffs leave footwear firms between rock and hard place
Indonesian producers are feeling the effect already.
“Since the announcement, US buyers have become more cautious, seeking more re-quotes and rescheduling in the upholstery segment,” Abdul Sobur, chairman of the Indonesian Furniture and Craft Industry Association (Himki), told The Jakarta Post on Friday.