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.

Step 2

Copy the letter below

Use the template provided and add your name and personal details.

Step 3

Send your email

Email the letter to your MP's office. Your voice matters.

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] (https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en),

I am writing as a business owner in [City/Community] who depends on a stable and affordable furniture market to serve my customers. I've learned that the government is considering new tariffs or "safeguard" measures on imported furniture. I'm very concerned about what this would mean for affordability, jobs, and local businesses like mine.

Most Canadian furniture retailers and designers, including myself, rely on a mix of Canadian-made and imported products. These imports fill important gaps in style, price point, and availability. Adding tariffs would make these products more expensive or harder to get, which could force price increases, project delays, and even job losses in our community.

At a time when housing and everyday affordability are already under pressure, we can't afford policies that drive costs higher. I support Canadian manufacturing, but I believe the right approach is collaboration and innovation—not barriers that hurt customers and small businesses.

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]
[Community, Province]
[Email / Phone]