The German furniture industry welcomes the U.S. government’s announcement that upcoming tariffs on kitchen and upholstered furniture will not apply to imports from the European Union. While the agreed 15% tariff remains in place for most EU furniture, the new 25% tariffs starting 14 October 2025, and the increases to 30% for upholstered and 50% for kitchen furniture from 1 January 2026, will only affect countries without a bilateral trade agreement with the United States, such as China. This exemption provides planning certainty for German manufacturers, said the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM/VHK) in a statement.
The U.S. will impose new tariffs on timber, furniture, and kitchen cabinets beginning 14 October. Timber and lumber imports will face a 10% tariff, while upholstered wooden furniture and kitchen cabinets will be taxed at 25%. According to an executive order, these rates will rise to 30% for upholstered furniture and 50% for kitchen cabinets at the start of 2026. The U.S. Commerce Department is authorized to revise the rates further under the same order.
The revised tariffs fall under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and are separate from the reciprocal tariff regime. The European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom benefit from reduced rates due to existing trade agreements. Products from the EU and Japan will not exceed the 15% level, while U.K. imports will face a 10% tariff. President Donald Trump had previously announced rates of up to 50% beginning 1 October 2025, but the final schedule sets lower rates with earlier implementation.
The United States generated approximately Euro 250 million in revenue for German furniture exports last year, making it Germany’s tenth-largest international market. Industry representatives see continued participation in events like the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), organized by the U.S.-based National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), as key to expanding their market presence.
According to the NKBA, the newly proposed tariffs could impact its industry valued at around Euro 216 billion. The association, which includes 55,000 members across North America and globally, is assessing the implications while affirming its support for production partners in Germany and other key countries. The NKBA’s president, Bill Darcy, emphasized their commitment to sustaining growth and stability across the sector.
