White House Retreats on Furniture and Pasta

The Trump Administration announced a delay of planned tariff increases on imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities that were scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.

A White House proclamation states that existing tariffs on these goods will remain at current levels for one additional year, as the U.S. “continues to engage in productive negotiations with trade partners to address trade reciprocity and national security concerns.” The postponed increases had been set to raise duties on kitchen cabinetry and vanities to 50 % and on upholstered furniture to 30 % under prior trade actions. 

In a separate development, the U.S. Department of Commerce sharply reduced proposed anti-dumping duties on Italian pasta producers following a preliminary review, according to statements from the Italian government.

Italy’s foreign ministry reported that duties on affected brands will be lowered to approximately 2.26 % for La Molisana, about 14 % for Garofalo, and roughly 9.09 % for other producers, replacing earlier proposals of tariffs up to 92 %.

Rome characterized the recalculated rates as evidence that U.S. authorities “recognise our companies’ constructive willingness to cooperate.” A final Commerce Department determination is expected by March 12, 2026. 

The shift on pasta levies coincides with broader U.S. moves to ease trade tensions and consumer cost pressures.

According to the Financial Times, the U.S. government’s softened stance followed political pressure over the initial steep tariff proposals and diplomatic engagement with Italy.

The FT notes that revised duties came after Italian producers addressed many of the Department of Commerce’s concerns and that Italy welcomed the outcome as constructive cooperation, underscoring the importance of continued dialogue between the two governments. 

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Adjusts Imports of Timber, Lumber, and Their Derivative Products into the United States