The Italian luxury furniture and lighting manufacturing sector is bracing for a potential heavy toll as proposed 30% US tariffs on EU exports threaten to take effect on August 1. Industry leaders are warning of severe economic fallout, including job losses, rising prices, and reduced market share in the US, a key market for the sector.
Claudio Feltrin, president of FederlegnoArredo, described the tariff plan as “alarming” and warned of “industrial desertification” across Europe. The sector is already under pressure, with the lighting industry facing existing 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel. Companies like Foscarini, Dexelance, and Cassina are adjusting prices or issuing “custom tariffs” declarations to mitigate the impact.
The uncertainty around US trade policy and the dollar is straining business planning, with Confartigianato estimating โฌ17.8 billion in Italian SME exports at risk. Despite a weakening Chinese market, the US remains Italy’s largest non-EU trade partner, accounting for 10% of exports. Italian brands like Giorgetti and Boffi|DePadova remain committed to the US market but are closely monitoring developments.
Image Courtesy: interdaily.com
