Tariff whiplash — it’s a real thing, folks. One minute, we’re reading that Trump’s tariffs are making pasta nights more expensive (or less authentic), and the next, he’s pausing the ordeal. So, if you were bracing for higher prices on pasta, furniture, or home renovations this year, there’s some cautious relief — at least for now.
Over the New Year holiday, the Trump administration quietly reshuffled several high-profile tariffs, delaying some increases and sharply scaling back others. While the moves don’t eliminate tariffs, they do change the near-term outlook for a few everyday products that tend to hit household budgets hard. Here’s what changed (and what it could mean for your wallet).
Furniture and Cabinets Get a One-Year Pass
Tariffs on imported upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities were set to jump on Jan. 1. Instead, President Trump signed a proclamation delaying those increases for a full year.
What stays the same:
- A 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, cabinets, and vanities remains in place.
What’s been delayed until 2027:
- A jump to 30% on upholstered furniture.
- A jump to 50% on kitchen cabinets and vanities.
For consumers, that delay is noteworthy. Furniture and cabinetry are already expensive purchases, often tied to moves, remodels, or unexpected repairs. Higher tariffs would likely have shown up as higher retail prices, especially for midrange items sourced overseas. The White House said the delay is tied to ongoing trade negotiations and efforts to address concerns around imported wood products.
Pasta Prices Prevail
Another tariff shift flew under the radar but could have hit grocery carts much sooner. The administration had been considering punitive tariffs on Italian pasta that could have exceeded 90% (and, in some cases, were floated as high as 107%) following an anti-dumping review by the Commerce Department.
That would have been dramatic (and devastating, honestly). Industry groups warned it could have effectively doubled the cost of some imported pasta products. Instead, after a new review, the proposed tariffs were significantly reduced, ranging from 2.26% to 13.89% for major Italian pasta makers. A final decision is now expected in March.
For shoppers, this means:
- Imported Italian pasta is far less likely to see sudden, sharp price spikes.
- Store shelves are less likely to shift toward cheaper “Italian-sounding” alternatives (honestly, making fun of that was the only part we were looking forward to).
Italian trade groups say exports to the U.S. topped $780 million last year, making this a category where tariff changes can ripple quickly into grocery pricing.
Why These Changes Matter
It’s important to note that none of these moves eliminate tariffs. They mostly delay increases or soften proposed penalties. That means consumers shouldn’t expect sudden price cuts, but they may avoid noticeable hikes that were looming.
Tariffs often show up quietly with:
- Higher furniture prices months later.
- Fewer promotions or discounts.
- Cheaper materials or simplified designs.
- Higher costs baked into remodels and contractor quotes.
By holding tariff rates steady for now, the administration is essentially pausing additional inflationary pressure in categories where prices are already elevated.
What Shoppers Should Keep in Mind
- Big-ticket purchases may be safer sooner than later. If you’re planning a remodel or furniture purchase, the one-year delay offers a clearer window.
- Grocery prices remain volatile. Pasta dodged a major hit, but food tariffs remain a moving target.
- Tariff policy is still unpredictable. Many of these decisions can be reversed, extended, or renegotiated with little notice.
