Donald Trump Delays Furniture Tariff Increase for One Year

Decision Suspended Amid Rising Cost of Living

United States President Donald Trump announced that he will postpone the implementation of tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for one year, amid rising concerns regarding the cost of living. Trump signed an executive order Wednesday evening, on the eve of the New Year, suspending a planned 50% tariff on cabinets and vanities and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture.

The order, however, maintains the 25% tariff he instituted on these products in September. The American President previously described tariffs on furniture as a step to "strengthen the American industry and protect national security." Polls indicate that rising prices and the cost of living are top concerns for people in the U.S. as the country approaches the midterm elections in 2026, scheduled for November. Voters believe that President Trump’s policies, particularly the tariffs, are at least partially responsible for the economic difficulties.

A Politico poll published in December revealed that 30% of respondents cited tariffs as the primary reason for high prices, and 32% stated that Trump bears "full responsibility" for the state of the economy. A majority of respondents identified the cost of living as a major issue facing the country, while 32% pointed to the state of the economy. Democratic politicians have sought to criticize Trump and his Republican Party concerning these affordability issues, which Trump has dismissed as a "sham" perpetuated by his political rivals.

The Italian foreign ministry announced Thursday that the U.S. has also agreed to reduce proposed tariffs on pasta products from 13 companies. Previously, the Trump administration had threatened pasta companies with additional tariffs of 92%, alongside import taxes on products from the European Union. The Italian foreign ministry stated that the U.S. Department of Commerce agreed to lower this rate to 2.26% for La Molisana and 13.98% for Garofalo, two Italian food companies accused by the administration of undermining other pasta producers through unjustifiably low prices. Other companies will face a rate of 9.09%. "The recalculation of tariffs is a sign that American authorities recognize the constructive readiness of our companies to cooperate," said the ministry.