Italy’s luxury furniture industry, a hallmark of design excellence, is bracing for a new crisis as the US imposes hefty tariffs. While the Milan Furniture Fair kicks off in style, many Italian companies find themselves facing an uphill battle due to President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
The 20% tariffs imposed on European Union goods have cast a shadow over Italy’s $2.4 billion export business in the United States, the industry’s second-largest market after France. With about 10% of Italy’s exports destined for the US, this tariff could have long-lasting repercussions for the sector.
Despite the immediate challenges, many luxury furniture makers remain hopeful and resilient. Some companies have weathered previous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
For them, the new tariffs are just another obstacle to overcome. Nicola Fagetti, finance director of the Parma-based company La Contessina, expressed confidence, stating, “We made it through Covid, we had the war in Ukraine, and we survived. Now we’re facing tariffs, but we always find a solution.” US sales currently account for 35% of the company’s exports, and Fagetti remains optimistic about their ability to adapt.
Emmanuel Antonello, marketing director for Villari, another luxury furniture brand, shares the same sentiment. Despite losing some American business, Antonello is confident that the company can rely on other markets, such as the Middle East, where they already have a strong presence.
“Americans are fascinated by Italian design — there’s a ‘Wow!’ effect when they see our products,” he said. His company’s products, such as tables that can cost more than $20,000, are considered premium items that many customers in the US view as luxury investments.
However, the Milan Furniture Fair, held as part of Milan Design Week, is noticeably quieter this year, with fewer American buyers in attendance. Interior designer Allison Muir, a fan of Italian design, fears that the tariffs will be detrimental to trade and may force her to leave the United States. “I will lose a lot of my clients,” she says. “The tariffs are going to be enormously awful for trade.”
The impact of the tariffs is already being felt across the industry, with Italian furniture exports to France and Germany dropping by 3.3% and 6%, respectively, in recent years. Although emerging markets like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are seeing some growth, they are not yet able to compensate for the decline in business from traditional markets.
Despite the challenges, the Italian furniture industry is not backing down. Maria Porro, president of the Milan Furniture Fair, emphasized the industry’s ability to adapt to shifting market conditions. She noted that more clients are interested in sustainable designs and natural materials, signaling a broader trend toward more organic, nature-inspired pieces. “In a period of instability like the one we are experiencing now, people prefer natural, bright, and warm shades,” Porro said, adding that the line between design and art is becoming increasingly blurred.
The 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile, which runs until Sunday, has attracted 2,103 exhibitors, with a significant portion from outside Italy. This year’s fair also comes with a strong emphasis on sustainability, with many companies displaying eco-friendly designs. Although the US tariffs pose a threat to the industry’s bottom line, Italian designers remain hopeful that their innovation and resilience will continue to drive global demand for their work.
