Welcome to 2025: Navigating Tariffs in the Millwork Industry

Welcome to 2025. The only thing more uncertain than your shipping ETA is the price of Baltic birch next week. The U.S. government, in its infinite wisdom and love of alphabet soup economics, has introduced a new wave of tariffs on imported materials. Then, they removed them. And then they introduced them again. If you're in the millwork industry, that sound you hear is the collective groan of drafters, fabricators, and shop owners nationwide, followed by someone yelling, "WE'RE OUT OF MAPLE AGAIN?!"

What's Being Tariffed Now?

In short: wood, metal, and everything nice.

More specifically, the items affected include:

• Imported cabinet hardware (yes, even the “free” samples)

• Plywood and MDF from “competitive economies” (translation: everyone)

• And somehow... hinges. Because why not?

  
  

So… How Bad Is It?

Well, if you planned to bid on that 30,000 sq ft university lab casework job, congratulations. Your hardware quote just aged like unrefrigerated milk. Overnight. Prices have jumped by 18–35% in some categories. Lead times have shifted from “3-5 days” to “sometime between Q2 and the apocalypse.”

“We used to stress over color match. Now we stress over whether our drawer slides will arrive before retirement.” – Everyone

Shop Strategies for Surviving 2025 (With Sanity Intact)

Navigating these turbulent times requires smart strategies. Here are a few approaches to help you remain ahead:

1. Stockpiling

You’re not hoarding; you’re “logistically proactive.” That pallet of European hinges in your back room? Guard it like gold. Stockpiles can help you avoid the worst of the price fluctuations and ensure you have the materials on hand when you need them.

2. Redesigning Around Domestic Parts

Can we substitute those Italian soft-close hinges with a rusted barn latch from, say, Ohio? If it’s in spec—maybe. Perhaps it’s time to get creative with your designs. This not only helps you navigate supply chain issues but also supports local economies.

3. Rewriting the Word ‘Lead Time’ in Your Contracts

Revise your contracts to include: "lead time subject to the whims of international trade and Mercury retrograde.” This light-hearted addition could help manage client expectations while addressing the unpredictability of current conditions.

4. Rebranding Everything as ‘Artisanal’

If it takes longer and costs more, just say it’s bespoke. Highlight how your products are unique. Consumers value quality and craftsmanship, so this could win over clients willing to pay a premium for distinct items.

What It Really Means for the Industry

Behind all the humor is a tough reality: small and mid-size shops are hit the hardest. Margins shrink, bids bloat, and clients still expect the moon. Some companies may shift to local-only suppliers. Others might pass costs to the client—lol, good luck with that. Meanwhile, some will double down on innovation and automation to stay lean.

The increased tariffs mean that planning and adaptability are crucial for success. Shops that can innovate quickly will be the ones that thrive in this volatile landscape. As we navigate these challenges, we have to remember that our industry is resilient.

Adapting to Change

The continual changes brought about by tariffs challenge us to rethink our standard operating procedures. Flexibility in sourcing and operations can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving. More companies might engage in local partnerships, which can yield a positive ripple effect throughout the industry.

Additionally, investing in technology could streamline operations. Automation could help reduce costs and improve efficiency. The millwork industry is dynamic, and those who adapt will lead the way.

Final Thoughts: Tariffs May Rise, But So Do We

The 2025 tariffs may be squeezing our clamps, but the millwork industry isn’t going anywhere. We will adapt, improvise, and occasionally scream into a therapeutic pillow. Because at the end of the day, no one else can turn a flat sheet into a functional masterpiece quite like we can.

Now excuse us while we rewrite a bid... again... with the new hinge quote.

In conclusion, stay informed and proactive. Tariffs may rise, but with savvy and resilience, we will rise above.