Following the implementation of the new cabinet tariff, American cabinet manufacturers are hopeful about the future of domestic production.
Marsh Cabinets, located in High Point, North Carolina, a family-owned business that has been operating locally for nearly 120 years, is optimistic about reviving the proud cabinet industry, according to company President and CEO Edwin Underwood.
President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on imported cabinets and vanities, effective October 14, 2025, with the tariff rate set to increase to 50% by January 2026. The new tariffs will be imposed on top of existing taxes or fees, such as transit taxes, anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and reciprocal tariffs.
Underwood praised President Trump for “having the courage to stir up a hornet’s nest” and take action to address a challenge that has plagued numerous industries for decades.
The challenge stems from a large influx of imported products flooding the American market, priced extremely low, making it impossible for domestic manufacturers to compete. Underwood mentioned that Marsh Cabinets’ business is being eroded daily by imported products.
Similarly, Wellborn Cabinet, based in Ashland, Alabama, has been severely impacted by the influx of imported products. The surge in imports has led to a decrease in the demand for American-made cabinets, forcing Wellborn to halt hiring several years ago and facing challenges with a newly built factory near Ashland.
Stephen Wellborn, co-owner of Wellborn Cabinet, revealed that the company is now making efforts to fully utilize the production capacity of the new factory.
He stated, “If this tariff policy doesn’t work, this new plant will eventually become a terrible investment for us.”
A report by the Coalition for a Prosperous America showed that in 2022, the quantity of imported cabinets skyrocketed, capturing over $4 billion of the American manufacturers’ market share. By 2024, the trade deficit in cabinets alone had increased to $3.7 billion.
Although Underwood, Wellborn, and other American cabinet manufacturers believe that the new tariff policy can create a more level playing field for this predominantly family-operated industry, they express the need for even higher tariffs.
Underwood mentioned, “We need to see a 25% tariff lever… Ultimately, to restore a fair competitive environment, the tariff rate needs to surpass 50%.”
Wellborn added, “In fact, we hope for a 100% tariff imposition, which could bring about significant changes.”
For years, the American cabinet industry has struggled to compete with foreign imports due to their significantly lower prices that American manufacturers cannot match.
Wellborn pointed out that since 2022, his company has lost between 10% to 15% of market share, while other companies have experienced even more substantial losses, up to 50%.
The aggressive strategy of China has affected American industries, leading to calls for Congress to cancel China’s most-favored-nation status.
Andrew Harding, a senior researcher at the Heritage Foundation’s National Security Coalitions, emphasized the need to reassess China’s trade status due to violations of trade commitments and international trade laws.
The American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance urged the Trump administration to act to save the $14 billion cabinet industry and over 250,000 American manufacturing jobs to prevent it from becoming too late.
The impact of the aggressive Chinese strategy on American industries has triggered concerns about safeguarding domestic manufacturers and their workers.
Time will tell if the current tariff rates are sufficient to create a fair competitive environment, as stakeholders prepare to respond decisively, effectively, and promptly to achieve the desired economic recovery.