U.S. retail sales by the furniture industry set a new record of $10.0 billion (seasonally adjusted) in a single month in April after rising 6.1% on a year earlier, Panjiva analysis of official figures shows. The share of imported furniture in that growth has begun to fall, however, with imports equivalent to 44.3% of sales in March from a peak of 51.1% in January – Panjiva data shows – and seaborne shipments down 6.5% on a year earlier in April.

Chart compares U.S. imports of furniture as a proportion of total furniture sales (blue) on a monthly (orange dotted line ) and annual average (solid orange) basis. Latest month includes seaborne shipments only. Calculations include U.S. Census Bureau data. Source: Panjiva

One reason for the import slowdown may have been concerns about duties on imports from China. While furniture was not included in the initial list of section 301 duties, as outlined in Panjiva research of April 5, President Trump’s subsequent call for a further $100 billion of duties could have captured the sector.

Imports from China still accounted for 49.4% of imports in the 12 months to April 30 despite a 16.4% drop in April. That risk should now have dissipated following the rapprochement between the two countries.

Chart segments U.S. imports of furniture by origin on a monthly (dotted) and annual average (solid) basis. Latest month includes seaborne shipments only. Source: Panjiva

Swedish retailer Ikea does not appear to have shared its competitors concerns, with imports from China having risen by 20.7% on a year earlier in the three months to April 30 vs. total growth in imports to the U.S. from all its suppliers of 12.8%.

Chart segments U.S. seaborne imports of furniture by Ikea by shipment origin. Source: Panjiva