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Proposed tariffs could raise furniture prices by up to 125%.
A proposal before Ottawa would impose steep tariffs on imported furniture — potentially turning a $2,000 sofa into a $4,500 expense. These measures would raise costs for Canadian families and businesses while putting thousands of retail and logistics jobs at risk.
There's still time to act. Let your MP know where you stand.
The Claims vs. The Facts
Tariff supporters claim that a surge of imports is harming Canadian manufacturers. Government trade data tells a different story.
$144.8M
Average monthly imports
Stable over 24 months
No Surge
Only modest fluctuations
No unusual increase
58.6%
From Asia by value
Consistent with past years
Data as of January 9, 2026. Source: Government of Canada Trade Data Online
On average, $144,810,400 was imported each month from all countries. The data shows modest fluctuations but by no means a sustained nor consistent increase that would justify the first principle of a global safeguard:
"The Tribunal conducts a safeguard inquiry to determine if increased imports of goods into Canada are causing or are threatening to cause serious injury to domestic producers of like or directly competitive goods."
— CITT Safeguard Inquiry Guidelines
The evidence does not support the need for these tariffs.
Why These Tariffs Won't Work
Canadian furniture manufacturers do not have the capacity to supply the entire domestic market. This is a structural reality — not a question of competition or pricing.
No Domestic Alternative
Canadian manufacturers lack the capacity, variety, and scale to supply the full market. Imports fill essential gaps that tariffs cannot close.
Job Losses, Not Gains
Thousands work in furniture retail, warehousing, and delivery. When prices rise and demand falls, these are the jobs that disappear first.
Flawed Tax Rules
A $300 chair with $5 in metal hardware would be taxed as though made entirely of metal — penalizing finished products unfairly.
Families Pay More
Higher prices strain household budgets and raise costs for affordable housing projects. Trade restrictions also risk retaliation against Canadian exports.
Contact Your MP
Members of Parliament need to hear from their constituents. A short email can make a real difference.
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Letter Template
Copy this letter, personalize it, and send it to your MP
Subject: Please oppose new tariffs or safeguard measures on furniture
Dear [MP's Name],
I am writing as a [small business owner / concerned citizen / industry professional] in [City/Community] who depends on a stable and affordable furniture market. I've learned that the government is considering new tariffs or "safeguard" measures on imported furniture — potentially as high as 125%. I'm deeply concerned about what this would mean for affordability, jobs, and local businesses.
The data does not support these measures. According to Government of Canada Trade Data Online, there has been no sustained or remarkable increase in furniture imports that would justify a safeguard. Monthly import values have shown only modest fluctuations — not the surge that domestic producers allege. Claims of "dumping" are simply not supported by the evidence: furniture is made to order, and Statistics Canada shows no remarkable increase in retail furniture sales.
Domestic production cannot meet Canadian demand. Our manufacturers don't have the capacity, scale, or product variety to serve the entire Canadian retail furniture industry. This is why retailers rely on a mix of Canadian-made and imported products — imports fill important gaps in style, price point, and availability that domestic producers cannot address.
Adding tariffs of up to 125% would devastate consumers and businesses: higher prices on furniture when affordability is already at a breaking point; job losses across retail, logistics, freight forwarding, and hospitality sectors; reduced choices for Canadian families, builders, and housing projects; and risk of trade retaliation harming other Canadian industries.
The net damage to the broader economy would far exceed any benefit to a small number of domestic manufacturers.
I support Canadian manufacturing, but the right approach is collaboration and innovation — not barriers that punish consumers and destroy jobs. Please stand against broad tariffs or safeguard measures on furniture and support policies that keep supply chains open, prices fair, and Canadian businesses strong.
Thank you for your time and service to our community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Business Name (if applicable)]
[City, Province]
[Email / Phone]