Trump’s 105% tariff shocks global trade—but is leaving China the right move? Discover why smart furniture buyers still trust Our Anji Qiyue Furniture for reliable sourcing.
With tariffs soaring, many furniture buyers are rethinking their sourcing strategy. Trump’s recent proposal to raise tariffs on Chinese imports up to 105% has sent a strong message—but is leaving China really the smartest move?
At QYRASIEL, we believe that reliable partnerships, tested supply chains, and export-ready expertise still matter—especially in turbulent times.
In this article, we explore:
- What the new tariff means for your business
- Why many “alternatives” to China come with hidden costs
- Key facts about the U.S.–China trade war
- And how experienced suppliers like QYRASIEL are helping global buyers stay resilient
Most sourcing managers I speak with are not afraid of tariffs. They’re afraid of broken supply chains. So in this post, I’ll show what this new policy really means for your business—and why experience still matters more than fear.
What the new tariff means for your business?
Many buyers are still comparing quotes from years ago. Others are placing test orders in Southeast Asia. But everyone is waiting for answers. What does this new tariff really mean?
If your products fall under tariff scope, you’ll need more than price to compete—you’ll need supply chain certainty1 and supplier flexibility.
What the 105% Tariff2 Covers
The proposed 105% tariff isn’t across the board, but it targets categories where China dominates—like furniture, electronics, machinery. Office chairs and recliners are often in the crosshairs.
Many buyers ask me: “Should I stop buying from China?”
Here’s the truth: the tariff increases your costs, yes. But walking away from China means giving up things that tariffs can’t replace—speed, systems, and reliability.
I’ve seen some buyers try to move production to Vietnam or Malaysia. But it takes months to build trust and even longer to stabilize quality. In the meantime, container costs, lead times, and approval cycles grow.
| What Changes | What It Means for Buyers |
|---|---|
| 105% Tariff on Key Goods | Higher landed cost for China-origin chairs |
| No clear timeline | Long-term planning becomes harder |
| Pressure on Southeast Asia | Buyers flood new markets, prices rise there too |
| More risk than reward | Buyers lose control while chasing savings |
Tariffs are disruptive, but so is switching too fast without a plan.
A lot of buyers shifted to Southeast Asia after 2018. They hoped for lower prices, fewer restrictions, and “China alternatives.” On paper, it made sense. In practice, many found it harder than they thought.
Many so-called alternatives offer lower prices but come with higher risks, slower timelines, and poor export readiness3.
What We’ve Learned from Southeast Asia
Over the last 5 years, many buyers moved orders to Vietnam or India. Some succeeded. Many came back. The issues they faced included:
- Factories were small and lacked automation
- Language and cultural gaps made communication slow
- Lack of certifications like BIFMA or EN1335
- No experience with KD packaging or label compliance
- Port capacity and logistics were limited
Here’s a real story: one customer of ours tried to move a recliner program to a new supplier in Southeast Asia. He placed a test order of 3 containers. What came back was late, packed without corner protection, and failed his fire-retardant test. He lost the customer in Mexico that placed the original PO.
I’m not saying alternatives don’t work. I’m saying they require time and training. If you move too fast, you may lose more than tariffs can cost you.
| Factor | China | Southeast Asia Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | BIFMA, EN1335, CA117 | Often missing or not recognized |
| Export packaging | Knock-down, ready-to-ship | Needs development |
| Production scale | High volume, stable | Medium scale, seasonal capacity |
| Supplier response time | Hours | Days or longer |
| Logistics knowledge | Strong FOB/CIF practices | Still developing |
So in most cases, the “cheaper” route leads to delays, returns, and higher total cost.
When did Trump start the tariff war with China?
The trade war didn’t begin with this 105% tariff. It started much earlier. Many forget how long this has been building.
The U.S.–China trade war began in 2018 when tariffs were imposed on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods. It expanded quickly across industries.
The History Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore
In 2018, the Trump administration imposed tariffs on key Chinese goods. China responded. What started with a few product categories soon included thousands. Furniture was quickly added.
Over the years, tariffs came and went. Some were eased under Biden. But now, the possibility of a second Trump term brings renewed pressure. This means one thing for buyers: volatility is here to stay.
If you work in international trade, you need to stop hoping for “normal” and start building resilience.
How much do China and the US trade?
Buyers ask: if the two countries are fighting, is trade still happening? The answer is yes—and it’s massive.
In 2023, China and the U.S. traded over $575 billion in goods, including over $30 billion in furniture and home products.
Trade Tension ≠ Trade Collapse
Even with tariffs, even with politics, business continues. That’s because China still offers something others don’t: end-to-end export power.
Just look at the numbers:
- China is still the largest furniture exporter in the world
- U.S. retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon still source from China
- Customization, private label, and testing services are built into Chinese factories
- Logistics partners are still optimized for China-based exports
So don’t confuse headlines with the reality on the ground. Buyers who understand this are staying prepared, not scared.
What is the global trade war?
Some call it decoupling. Some call it derisking. Some just call it chaos. No matter the name, buyers feel the pressure.
A global trade war is when countries impose tariffs and trade barriers on each other, affecting supply chains, prices, and lead times worldwide.
What It Feels Like on the Ground
In practice, this means:
- Higher import/export costs
- Longer customs clearance
- Delays in certification recognition
- Political risks influencing sourcing
For B2B buyers like you, this creates stress. You’re expected to cut costs, avoid delays, and protect quality—all at the same time.
That’s why choosing the right partner becomes a strategic advantage. If your supplier doesn’t understand these risks—or can’t adjust to them—you’re flying blind.
And how experienced suppliers like QYRASIEL are helping buyers succeed despite global pressure?
You can’t predict what’s next. But you can prepare. That’s what we do every day at QYRASIEL.
At [QYRASIEL](http://www.qiyuechairs/about us "QYRASIEL"), we help clients navigate price shifts, policy changes, and logistics delays with export-ready solutions and real-time support.
What We Do Differently
We’re not the biggest. But we’re focused.
- We produce mesh chairs, leather chairs, and recliner sofas—all with export in mind
- Our factory includes our own parts injection and foam molding line
- We ship to over 30 countries
- We help clients reduce CBM, split containers, and meet retail compliance
Here’s how we help:
| Solution Type | What We Offer |
|---|---|
| Product Packaging | KD design, foam-in-box, export labels |
| OEM Services | Logo embroidery, private color matching |
| Export Docs | EN, CA117, carton marking, HS code compliance |
| Communication | Fast quoting via WeChat, WhatsApp, Email |
| Long-Term Support | Forecast production + on-time loading |
And when a new policy hits, we don’t panic. We adjust.
My Insights as a Manufacturer | QYRASIEL’s Perspective
-
Price is not the only pain point—predictability is.
Many buyers tell us that their biggest frustration isn’t price. It’s uncertainty: missed deadlines, unclear communication, poor-quality samples. That’s why tested, professional partners matter more than ever. -
Leaving China isn’t a solution—it’s a risk multiplier.
Shifting supply chains sounds appealing—until you’re facing a 45-day delay or a rejected shipment due to missing certifications. China may face political pressure, but the supply chain ecosystem here is still unmatched. -
We don’t sell fear—we offer flexibility.
At QYRASIEL, we help clients adapt—whether through packaging changes, tax declarations, or product strategies. We don’t just ship chairs—we provide options when others say “no.” -
Long-term buyers want trust, not shortcuts.
Many of our best clients have stuck with us for 5+ years—not because we’re the cheapest, but because we’re stable, clear, and responsive. In times like this, that’s what truly counts.
– Judy Jiang
Founder & Sales Director, Qiyue Furniture
Conclusion
Tariffs will keep changing. Sourcing won’t get easier. But smart buyers can still win—by choosing partners who are ready. At QYRASIEL, we’re here for that.
About Qiyue
Qiyue was founded by Judy Jiang and her husband. As former employees in a chair factory, they later established a successful office furniture business. The company supports clients in increasing revenue, serving customers like Officemax (Mexico), Dorel, Office Depot, Makro, Walmart, and wholesale importers. Grateful for opportunities in the industry, the founders aim to give back by sharing expertise to help others succeed.
