(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Oct 1 (KNN) Indian exporters of wood products and furniture are expected to gain stronger competitiveness in the US market following a sharp reduction in tariffs, which have been lowered from 50 per cent to a range of 10–25 per cent.

According to policy think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), the move is likely to make Indian furniture and cabinetry more cost-effective for American buyers and provide substantial relief to domestic exporters, ANI reported.

US President Donald Trump, through a Section 232 Proclamation on September 29, 2025, imposed fresh tariffs on softwood lumber (HS 4407), upholstered furniture (HS 9401), and kitchen cabinets and vanities (HS 9403).

Under the revised structure, Section 232 tariffs replace country-specific duties, lowering India's rate from 50 per cent to 25 per cent for furniture and cabinetry and to 10 per cent for softwood lumber.

According to GTRI co-founder Ajay Srivastava, the reduced tariffs could open new opportunities for Indian manufacturers in the US, particularly as India emerges as a cost-effective alternative in the global supply chain.

In FY2025, India exported USD 654.8 million worth of affected products to the US, including USD 568.3 million in kitchen cabinets, USD 83.3 million in upholstered furniture, and USD 3.2 million in softwood lumber.

With the new tariff regime, kitchen cabinets and upholstered furniture exports will now face a 25 per cent duty, while softwood lumber will be subject to just 10 per cent, down from the previous 50 per cent across all categories.

GTRI noted that this change will enhance India's competitiveness, help diversify its export base, and potentially boost earnings in FY2026.

(KNN Bureau)

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