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Trump says he will place tariffs on furniture — causing shares of Wayfair, Williams-Sonoma to plunge
New York Post·2025-08-22 22:43

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is investigating imported furniture for potential tariffs, which has led to significant stock declines for companies reliant on foreign manufacturing, while some domestic manufacturers have seen stock increases [1][2][5]. Company Impact - Major home goods companies such as Wayfair, RH, and Williams-Sonoma experienced stock declines of over 6% following the announcement [2][4]. - In contrast, La-Z-Boy's shares rose nearly 2.5% as the company primarily manufactures within the United States [5]. Industry Context - The furniture industry is facing challenges, including a year-long decline in demand for big-ticket items due to a sluggish housing market and persistent inflation affecting consumer spending [9][10]. - The investigation into furniture tariffs is part of a broader trade agenda aimed at reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing and encouraging domestic production, particularly in traditional furniture-making states like North Carolina and South Carolina [11][12]. Trade Relations - The timing of the potential tariffs comes amidst ongoing trade negotiations with global partners, which have provided some market stability, although many disputes remain unresolved [8]. - It is unclear whether the new furniture tariffs would be in addition to existing country-specific duty rates negotiated through bilateral trade deals [7][13].