At Curve Hospitality, we believe that informed procurement is the cornerstone of successful project management. In an era where global trade policy shifts as rapidly as design trends, our commitment to our partners includes providing clear, fact-checked, and timely intelligence on the regulatory landscape.

As we move through the first half of 2026, the situation regarding U.S. tariffs has entered a new phase of complexity. For the hospitality sector, staying updated is not just a matter of compliance, but a strategic necessity.

The North American Landscape

For projects relying on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities, the most critical development is the recent postponement of major tariff hikes. While initial projections suggested a jump to 50% for cabinetry and 30% for upholstered goods, a White House proclamation has delayed these increases until January 1, 2027.

Currently, the 25% duty remains in effect for these categories. This extension provides a vital breathing room for developers to lock in pricing for current renovations and new builds before the next scheduled increase at the start of next year.

The Section 122 Global Tariff

Following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in February 2026 that struck down several emergency-power tariffs, the administration pivoted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. This has resulted in a temporary 10% global tariff on nearly all imports, effective as of late February.

This 10% duty is currently scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026. We are monitoring this closely, as the expiration or potential extension of this rate will significantly influence mid-year procurement strategies for lighting, electronics, and casegoods.

China, Vietnam, and India

The landscape for our primary sourcing hubs is currently defined by new investigations and historic deals:

• China and Vietnam: On March 11, 2026, the USTR launched new Section 301 investigations into manufacturing overcapacity. While no new product-specific duties have been finalized, these probes target furniture and electronics, signaling potential long-term shifts in costs from these regions.
• India: Conversely, a historic trade deal finalized in February 2026 has solidified India as a premier alternative for hospitality textiles and décor. Many ‘Made in India’ goods now enjoy significantly reduced reciprocal rates, often falling between 0% and 18%.

The European Union

Across the Atlantic, trade with the EU is currently governed by the evolving Turnberry framework. While a 15% tariff remains the baseline for many industrial goods, ongoing negotiations aim to lower these duties provided the U.S. maintains its current caps on steel and aluminum.

At Curve Hospitality, we continue to leverage our global manufacturing network to navigate these changes, ensuring your FF&E arrives on time and within budget regardless of the shifting trade winds. For more information on how we can transform your property, contact us now.