The U.S. remains a massive market for furniture imports, with China and Vietnam traditionally supplying the bulk of home furnishings. Recent data show a rebound in 2024: U.S. imports of furniture (HS Chapter 94) topped ~$25–27 billion in 2024, up about 7% year-over-year. (Furniture Today reports ~$25.5B in 2024, ~60% from Vietnam and China.) This recovery follows a dip during the COVID era. However, importers face heightened uncertainty entering 2025–26. A new Section 232 “national security” probe on furniture (announced Aug 2025) spurred importers to front-load shipments early 2025 ahead of possible tariffs. Weekly container bookings briefly soared (e.g. over 72,000 TEUs in May 2025) before leveling off. In short, 2024 saw a steady recovery from 2023 lows, but 2025 is marked by shipping spikes and volatility as businesses brace for potential duties.
- Rebound & Growth: Imports grew in 2024, with total value exceeding $25 billion. 2023–24 saw strong demand for home goods (from post-COVID home upgrades) and even housing starts.
- Front-Loading & Tariff Rush: In 2025 many U.S. retailers rushed to import before new duties. For example, weekly imports from China jumped to ~44,000 TEUs in May 2025 – over double normal levels – as buyers stocked up ahead of tariff uncertainty. After May volumes fell as retailers waited on policy signals.
- Policy Uncertainty: The Trump administration’s 2025 trade actions (new Section 301 tariffs, expanded anti-dumping, and a Section 232 furniture probe) have already influenced trade flows. New levies (announced Sept 2025) include 50% tariffs on imported kitchen cabinets/bath vanities and 30% on upholstered furniture (effective Oct 1). Such moves could significantly raise costs for imports from China.
- 2025–26 Outlook: Industry analysts expect continued volatility. Vizion’s trade data suggest importers are diversifying sources: even if China remains dominant, over-reliance is seen as risky. If high tariffs on Chinese goods stick, Vietnam could capture more share by 2026. Domestic and nearby-sourced producers (Mexico, Eastern Europe, Mexico) are also on the radar for some buyers.
Consumer Preferences: Materials, Styles & Functionality
Sustainability & Natural Materials
Modern U.S. consumers increasingly demand eco-friendly furniture. Shoppers look for reclaimed wood, recycled plastics, bamboo, rattan and other renewable fibers in tables, chairs and décor. Low- or zero-VOC finishes and adherence to green certifications (FSC wood, GREENGUARD) also matter.
Minimalist Aesthetics
Clean, uncluttered design remains popular. Minimalist furniture—sleek lines, light woods, neutral colors—gives rooms an open, tranquil feel. Many U.S. living spaces favor a Scandinavian/modern look (think simple side tables, mid-century legs, monochrome palettes) with pops of accent color or geometric patterns.
Multifunctional & Modular
Comfort, convenience and space-efficiency are key. Popular pieces include sofa beds, extendable dining tables, foldable desks and storage ottomans that serve multiple roles. The modular systems (sectionals, wall-unit shelves, packable kids’ playsets) let buyers adapt furniture layout as needs change.
Tech & Comfort
Smart features (built-in USB charging, LED lighting, adjustable ergonomic functions) are a growing niche. Consumers also show interest in wellness design (e.g. supportive chair shapes, fabrics with anti-microbial treatments).
Key Preferences Summary:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: recycled, reclaimed woods and low-emission finishes
- Simple, Modern Styles: minimalist silhouettes and natural textures
- Bold Accents: occasional vibrant upholstery or curved organic shapes to add flair
- Modular/Convertible: multiuse sofas, desks, shelving for flexible living
Top Furniture & Décor Categories
U.S. imports from China span a wide range of home products. By value, the largest import segments include general wood furniture (cabinets, tables, dressers), upholstered seats, and bedroom sets. Chinese exports to the U.S. break down roughly as 35.9% “general furniture & parts”, 31.2% seats & seat parts (sofas, chairs) and about 9.4% mattress supports/bedding. In practical terms, the hot categories are:
- Living Room & Seating: Sofas, sectionals, couches and accent chairs are perennial top sellers. Upholstered seating (fabric or leather) often comes from Chinese factories, but faces high tariffs (see below).
- Bedroom Furniture: Beds, platform bedframes, wood dressers/nightstands and bamboo/wooden cribs have strong demand. (Note: Chinese wooden bedroom furniture is under a long-standing U.S. anti-dumping order.)
- Tables & Cabinets: Dining room tables, coffee tables, side tables, and storage cabinets. Flat-pack/kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity imports surged until the 2025 tariff announcement.
- Mattresses & Bedding: Mattresses (memory foam, spring) and foundations are popular imports. Bedding textiles and sleep accessories also flow in but were not among the largest HS 94 categories.
- Outdoor & Occasional: Aluminum/rattan outdoor patio sets, metal garden furniture, gazebos and portable furniture see seasonal spikes (notably spring/summer). Decor items like lighting fixtures, rugs and accent décor (pillows, lamps) are smaller categories but growing in ecommerce sales.
Sourcing Shifts: Post-COVID and Trade Policies
The landscape of sourcing has changed. Post-COVID, U.S. importers felt supply-chain pinch (port delays, freight spikes), prompting some to diversify away from China. Many began seeking “China+1” strategies, splitting orders with Vietnam, India, Mexico or Eastern Europe to hedge risks.
By the start of 2023, these shifts were evident. U.S.-China trade war tariffs (from 2018 onward) and higher U.S. labor costs had already sent furniture sourcing to Vietnam: from 2018 to 2020 Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. jumped (briefly even surpassing China). House of Leon’s analysis shows China’s share of U.S. furniture imports fell from ~57% in 2017 to ~29% by 2023, while Vietnam’s rose to ~26%. Other Asian suppliers (Malaysia, Indonesia) and Mexico have also captured incremental share.
Policy Changes
New trade measures in 2023–25 have accelerated this trend. Many Chinese furniture lines already carry 25% Section 301 tariffs and strict anti-dumping duties (notably on wooden bedroom furniture). In 2025 the U.S. has imposed “reciprocal” tariffs across many countries: a baseline 10% on all imports and a 125% surcharge on Chinese goods (cumulative ~145%). As a result, Chinese-made home furnishings have become dramatically more expensive. In contrast, Vietnam’s shipments have remained relatively steady, even after an early 2025 spike, positioning it to gain if China-facing duties hold.
Nearshoring & Alternatives
Some U.S. brands are inspecting suppliers in Mexico, Turkey or Eastern Europe as backup. Shorter lead times and fewer tariffs make these attractive for certain products. The recent crises have underscored that relying on one dominant source (China) may no longer be tenable. Importers are preparing to spread their sourcing risk into 2026.
Compliance & Regulatory Considerations
Importers must navigate several U.S. rules and standards:
Trade Tariffs & Duties
Besides general tariffs, many furniture imports incur special duties. Chinese furniture currently faces 25% Section 301 tariffs plus anti-dumping (e.g., wooden bedroom furniture). The latest announcements (Sept 2025) impose an additional 50% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets/vanities and 30% on upholstered furniture. New Section 232 duties (pending) could further “stack” on top of these. Importers should identify their HTS codes carefully to know applicable rates.
Country-of-Origin Labeling
U.S. Customs requires a permanent “Made in [country]” mark on each article. All imported furniture must carry an English-language COO label. (For example, woven textiles on furniture must list fiber content and care labels per U.S. Textile regulations.)
Product Safety Standards
Furniture sold in the U.S. must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Children’s furniture (for ages ≤12) is rigorously regulated: it requires third-party lab testing and a CPSC-issued Children’s Product Certificate, plus a permanent CPSIA tracking label. CPSC also enforces limits on hazardous chemicals (lead, phthalates, flame retardants) under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act; composite wood products must comply with TSCA Title VI formaldehyde emission limits and labeling.
Flammability
While no new federal flammability rule exists for general upholstered furniture, industry practice is to meet California TB117-2013 (barrier-free foam flammability test). In practice, most importers ensure upholstery, mattresses and foam parts comply with TB117 or the Mattress Flammability Standard (16 CFR 1633) to cover all states.
Other Regulations
If selling in California, be aware of Prop 65 warning requirements for any chemicals (some flame retardants, formaldehyde). Import documentation must be accurate and complete (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, entry manifest, etc.).
Antidumping/Countervailing
In addition to Section 301, certain furniture lines face ongoing antidumping (and in few cases countervailing) orders. For example, China’s wooden bedroom sets (HS 9403.50) have an AD rate around 100% (combined AD/CVD) since 2016. Importers must check if their products are covered by these orders and account for those duties in cost.
Tips for Small/Medium Importers & Retailers
Vet Suppliers Thoroughly
Use factory audits or inspections when possible. Working directly with a manufacturer (even if MOQs are higher) helps ensure quality and compliance. Trading companies or middlemen may not understand U.S. standards.
Quality Control & Testing
Engage third-party inspectors or on-site QC agents. Check product dimensions, load-bearing, finish quality, and perform needed lab tests on samples (for flammability, VOCs, lead, etc.). Early defect detection avoids costly rework after arrival.
Plan Tariff Mitigation
Map your products’ HTS codes and run cost scenarios for different tariff rates. If a higher duty is imminent, consider pull-forward buying—pre-paying freight to move goods before tariffs hit. Keep some flexibility (don’t overstock low-turn items).
Diversify Sourcing
Don’t put all orders through China. Even if you have a good Chinese supplier, split some volume with Vietnam, India or Mexico to hedge geopolitical risk. This also gives bargaining leverage.
Leverage Ocean Freight Options
Furniture is bulky, so Full Container Loads (FCL) often make sense (cost per cbm is lower). Consolidate shipments smartly. If volumes are small, partner with freight forwarders that specialize in LCL consolidation for furniture. Track lead times carefully—Chinese export slowdowns or U.S. port congestion can add weeks.
Understand E-Commerce Requirements
If selling online (Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair), make sure products meet platform rules: e.g., provide UPC/GTIN codes, Amazon barcode labels, FNSKU tags, packaging standards, etc. Consider using Amazon FBA or a 3PL for warehousing and returns. (Note: products shipped directly to U.S. distributors must also meet Consumer Product Safety improvements; some importers avoid CPSC hassles by having goods assembled/inspected domestically.)
Stay Informed & Engaged
Join trade groups (HFA, AHFA) or mailing lists to track policy changes. Watch for customs bulletins on anti-dumping cases. Regularly review your cost structure against current tariffs. Work with a knowledgeable customs broker and freight forwarder who can alert you to changes. As HFA advises, continually “map your HTS codes, run scenarios at +5%, +10%, +25% tariffs” and be ready to pivot.
Build Strong Relationships
Nurture long-term partnerships in China. Good suppliers will help navigate compliance (e.g. providing lab test reports) and will be more flexible during disruptions. Visiting trade shows (Canton Fair, CIFF) or even arranging mini-factory visits can pay off in product familiarity.
By staying flexible and proactive—balancing cost with quality and compliance—small and mid‑size importers can thrive even amid shifting policies. Clear communication with Chinese suppliers about U.S. standards (label languages, material tests) and diligent record-keeping will minimize surprises. In this dynamic period, combining data-driven planning (for tariffs and demand) with grounded on-the-ground QC and a diversified sourcing base is the best strategy for success.