Housewares industry professionals gathered at the Inspired Home Show in Chicago faced a new challenge as they grappled with the impact of steep tariffs on imports from major trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China. The higher taxes on imports have sparked concerns about rising prices for consumers and businesses, leading to fears of squeezed margins and slowed sales in the housewares industry.

Paul Cira, president of Proud Grill, expressed worries about the inflationary impact of the tariffs on his company’s grilling tools and accessories imported from China. Similarly, Jan Murtagh of CDN highlighted the potential price hikes for digital thermometers due to the increased tariffs. Companies like Widgeteer are exploring cost-cutting measures to mitigate the impact, with some considering moving manufacturing operations out of China to countries with lower tariffs.

Amidst these challenges, some exhibitors at the trade show are promoting tariff-free products from countries like Vietnam. Jordan Epstein of Epstein Sourcing and Design is looking to source products from nations unaffected by steep tariffs and is considering shifting production from China to India. However, for businesses like Regency Wraps, the concern lies in potential reciprocal tariffs imposed by other countries on American products, which could significantly impact their overseas business and workforce.

As the industry navigates through the uncertainties brought by the tariffs, the focus remains on finding solutions to mitigate the financial implications and potential loss of international business opportunities in the face of escalating trade tensions.