For all the anti-trade sentiment being voiced in the presidential campaign, particularly against China and Mexico, you would think that furniture imports would be down, or flat at best.

Yet consumers continue to vote with their dollars by purchasing furniture made not only in China and Mexico, but also Vietnam, Canada, Italy and Indonesia to name several.

More details on those shipments will follow in future posts. We’ll also have a comprehensive overview of imports and exports for the first half in our market issue for opening day.

It’s obviously true there is a renewed interest in made in America. It's a trend we are glad to see as it supports good paying manufacturing jobs here in the U.S.

But those products often come at much higher price points. When it comes to affordable, well-made furniture, including case goods in improving multi-step finishes, imports continue to gain ground.

Will the industry benefit from the anti free-trade sentiment being expressed in certain political circles? And will the jobs come back as promised?

(Source: furnituretoday.com  Author: Thomas Russell)