The U.S. commercial furniture industry is warning that proposed tariff increases on imports from Mexico, Canada, China, and other key trade partners could disrupt supply chains, increase costs, and put domestic manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage.

BIFMA, the trade association representing 175 commercial furniture manufacturers and suppliers across North America, has raised concerns that new tariffs would undermine the benefits of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and hurt an industry that contributes nearly $15 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

The potential economic impact of increased tariffs includes higher furniture prices across both mass-produced and high-end market segments, as material and component costs rise. This could lead to lower demand and, ultimately, job losses. The U.S. commercial furniture sector currently employs over 65,000 workers in 48 states, with more than 1,400 establishments generating nearly $3 billion in payroll annually. Many of these jobs depend on stable and predictable trade relationships within North America.

BIFMA cautions that reshoring efforts and hybrid supply chains, which many manufacturers have developed to maintain cost efficiency, would be disrupted. Tariffs could force companies to restructure their supply chains at significant cost, potentially reversing gains made in recent years. The association also highlights that foreign manufacturers sourcing components from tariffed countries would not face the same cost pressures as U.S. producers, making their final products more competitive in the U.S. market.

About BIFMA
BIFMA is the Business and Institutional furniture trade association in North America with members from around the world. BIFMA has served as the voice of the commercial furniture industry since 1973 and is now the recognized source for managing and developing furniture standards that embody safety, ergonomics, health, sustainability, and performance that support buyer and specifier communities in making informed furniture decisions.

Source: bifma.org