In 2025, the furniture industry is facing major shifts not from trends, but from tariffs and rising shipping costs. Global trade tensions and higher fuel prices have made it more expensive to import raw materials and finished furniture.
What’s changing?
- 📦 Tariffs on imports from Asia and Europe are driving companies to source locally or shift production closer to home.
- 🚢 Freight costs have tripled since pre-pandemic levels, affecting product pricing and delivery times.
- 🏭 Manufacturers are responding by designing modular and flat-pack furniture to reduce shipping volume and costs.
Consumers are seeing higher prices, fewer discounts, and longer wait times, especially for imported pieces. Retailers are adjusting with domestic collections and fixed-rate shipping. Despite the challenges, these changes are encouraging more sustainable practices and local craftsmanship, signaling a smarter, more adaptive future for the industry.
