HIGH POINT, N.C. — The world’s largest furniture trade event, North Carolina’s High Point Market, is feeling the effects of new federal tariffs that have increased prices across the industry. Thousands of designers and exhibitors from more than 100 countries gathered for the biannual event this week, but rising import costs are reshaping business decisions and consumer prices alike.
President Donald Trump’s September proclamation imposed a 10% tariff on imported softwood lumber and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture — set to rise to 50% and 30%, respectively, in January. The administration said the tariffs will “make North Carolina great again” by revitalizing domestic furniture manufacturing.
At Fibre by Auskin, which sources materials globally, prices for luxury items like alpaca bean bags and Tibetan wool pillows rose by 37% and 42% this year. “There’s not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t call and say, ‘That’s gone up,’” said sales executive Erin Dowd.
While import-heavy wholesalers struggle, U.S.-based companies like Old Hickory Furniture and Vermont’s Copeland Furniture say the tariffs have boosted demand for American-made goods. “Consumers are more likely to ask about the country of origin,” said Ben Copeland. “If it’s American, they know they’re getting full value.”
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