IKEA has responded to President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs on imported furniture, warning that American consumers could soon pay more at checkout. The Swedish retailer said it remains committed to affordability, but tariffs make this promise harder to keep, according to Newsweek.
“Our goal is to offer affordable, good-quality home furnishings to everyone,” the company told Newsweek. “In our experience across the markets we operate in, tariffs make these ambitions more difficult.”
IKEA said it will continue working to keep costs down but cannot guarantee that prices will remain unchanged.
Trump’s Tariffs on Furniture
Last week, Trump announced on Truth Social that he was “imposing a 50 percent Tariff on all Kitchen Cabinets, Bathroom Vanities, and associated products,” beginning October 1, 2025. Upholstered furniture such as sofas and chairs will face a 30 percent tariff. Other measures included a 100 percent tariff on patented drugs and a 25 percent tariff on heavy-duty trucks.
Trump argued that foreign imports are “flooding” the U.S. and putting American jobs and national security at risk.
Why It Matters for IKEA
The United States is IKEA’s second-largest market after Germany, with $5.5 billion in sales last year. Rising prices could alienate the retailer’s cost-conscious customer base.
The Commerce Department has been investigating U.S. dependence on imported timber, lumber, and furniture since March under a national security review. Trump announced a “major tariff investigation” in August, promising results within 50 days, but acted before the findings were released.
Consumer Concerns
Consumer advocates warn the tariffs will ultimately hit American households. Ethan Weiland of the Consumer Federation of America told Newsweek, “The administration’s latest round of tariffs will increase prices and harm consumers.”
He also noted that tariffs on heavy trucks could drive up transportation costs, which businesses are likely to pass on to shoppers.
Melinda St. Louis, director at Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, told the outlet that Trump is using tariffs for political headlines while negotiations remain behind closed doors. She argued that tariffs alone cannot protect workers without parallel investments in public programs and labor rights.
What’s Next
The tariffs are set to take effect Wednesday. Drug manufacturers may be exempt if they build U.S. facilities. For IKEA, the key test will be whether it can shield customers from rising costs or whether American families will soon see higher price tags on flat-pack furniture.
FAQs
Q1. Why is IKEA warning about higher prices in the U.S.?
A1. The company says new tariffs on imported furniture make affordability harder to maintain, so prices may increase.
Q2. What tariffs did President Trump announce on furniture?
A2. Starting October 1, 2025, the policy adds a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, along with a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture.
Q3. How important is the U.S. market for IKEA?
A3. The U.S. is IKEA’s second-largest market after Germany, generating $5.5 billion in sales last year.
