The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has welcomed President Donald Trump’s decision to delay for an additional year the planned increase in tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities.

In a statement issued on January 2, 2025, AAHOA said the tariff hikes, which were scheduled to take effect on January 1, have been postponed as the administration continues negotiations with trade partners. The talks are focused on trade reciprocity and national security concerns related to wood products. During this period, the existing 25 percent tariff will remain in effect.

Furniture, cabinetry, and related fixtures represent major capital investments for hotel owners, particularly small business operators undertaking property improvement plans, brand-mandated renovations, or new developments, the association noted. AAHOA said it looks forward to continued engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that trade policies strike a balance between national priorities and the economic realities faced by America’s hotel owners.

“This decision provides breathing room for America’s hotel owners and small businesses,” said AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel. “We thank President Trump for recognizing the real-world impact these tariffs have on entrepreneurs who are reinvesting in their properties, employing millions of workers, and supporting local economies. This pause is not just prudent, it’s pivotal.”

AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake highlighted the cost pressures faced by hoteliers. “Furniture, fixtures, and equipment can account for 15–20% of a hotel renovation’s total cost, so abrupt tariff increases create real whiplash for small-business hoteliers,” she said. “We thank President Trump for delaying the increase and giving owners time to plan, invest, and keep serving their communities.”

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the United States. According to the statement, its 20,000 members own approximately 60 percent of the nation’s hotels and contribute about 1.4 percent to the U.S. gross domestic product. 

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