• Source:JND

US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday to delay increases in tariffs for upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities for another year, news agency Reuters reported, citing the White House.

This move provides temporary relief to specific industries from previously scheduled tariff hikes, impacting trade policy and economic considerations.

Reason behind Trump's tariff decision

President Trump’s decision came amid dropping approval ratings. Several polls suggest Trump's approval rating is below 50 per cent, however, he rejected the claim on Tuesday and asserted his “real” approval rating is at 64 percent. However, he did not provide any concrete to cement his claims.

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“The polls are rigged even more than the writers,” Trump said in a late-night Truth Social post. “The real number is 64%, and why not, our Country is ‘hotter’ than ever before.”

Why is it a win-win situation for India?

Indian exports to the US of upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets and similar wood products are roughly $650–660 million annually, with kitchen cabinets being the dominant category. This figure is a subset of overall furniture exports to the US, which exceed $1 billion. 

Earlier when Trump imposed new tariffs on imported timber and lumber, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture in September last year, it was a major boost for the Indian exporters. Simply putting the facts together- Trump had announced 50 per cent tariffs on Indian products in August but later he announced tariff on lumber and furniture duties ranging from 10 per cent to 25 per cent. This means the fresh tariffs applied on Indian products in October last year was almost half.

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As Trump has delayed increasing tariffs for upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for another year, it would be a win-win situation for Indian exporters.

Trump's latest move may make India a cost-effective alternative for US buyers in furniture and cabinetry, potentially boosting Indian exports in FY26.


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