ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
AAHOA welcomes delay of furniture tariffs
The organization of hotel owners, said furniture, cabinetry, and related fixtures represent significant capital expenditures for hotels.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 02, Jan 2026
- 16:23 EST
- 26
Logo of Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) / Courtesy: @AAHOA/X
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) welcomed President Donald Trump’s decision to delay for one year planned increases in tariffs on imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities.
The tariff increases, originally scheduled to take effect on Jan. 1, were postponed under a presidential proclamation issued on Dec. 31, 2025.
Also Read: AAHOA backs national push to pass American Franchise Act
The decision extends the existing 25 percent tariff through 2026 as the administration continues negotiations with trade partners over trade reciprocity and national security concerns related to timber, lumber, and derivative wood products.
The tariffs fall under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows the U.S. president to adjust imports deemed a threat to national security. Under the original schedule, tariffs on upholstered wooden furniture were set to rise to 30 percent, while duties on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities were to increase to 50 percent.
Those increases are now deferred until Jan. 1, 2027, unless negotiations result in an alternative agreement.
AAHOA said furniture, cabinetry, and related fixtures represent significant capital expenditures for hotels, particularly for small business owners undertaking brand-mandated renovations, property improvement plans, and new development projects.
The association said sudden tariff increases can disrupt budgeting and long-term investment planning for hotel operators.
“This decision provides breathing room for America’s hotel owners and small businesses,” said Kamalesh (KP) Patel, chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association.
He thanked President Trump for recognizing what he described as the real-world impact of tariffs on entrepreneurs reinvesting in their properties, supporting local economies, and employing millions of workers. “This pause is not just prudent — it’s pivotal,” Patel said.
Laura Lee Blake, president and chief executive officer of AAHOA, said furniture, fixtures, and equipment typically account for 15 to 20 percent of a hotel renovation’s total cost.
“Abrupt tariff increases create real whiplash for small-business hoteliers,” Blake said, adding that the delay allows owners time to plan, invest, and continue serving their communities.
AAHOA said it will continue engaging with policymakers and industry stakeholders as trade discussions proceed, urging that future trade policies balance national priorities with the economic realities facing U.S. hotel owners.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login