Charlotte, North Carolina, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Local cabinet businesses in Charlotte, including Forest Kitchen Design, are dealing with rising costs due to new tariffs imposed on imported materials. The tariffs range from 10% to 50% affecting kitchen cabinetry, with business owners expressing concerns over maintaining prices for customers. Entrepreneurs are collaborating with American manufacturers to explore alternative materials as they strategize to adapt to these challenges. The community is urged to support local businesses amid the economic uncertainty caused by these tariff policies.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Local cabinet businesses in Charlotte are grappling with serious challenges as new tariffs take effect, bringing uncertainty to the economy. One such business, Forest Kitchen Design, co-owned by Todd Mercer, is experiencing the brunt of rising costs while maintaining a degree of optimism.
Forest Kitchen Design, which operates in Charlotte and Greenville, South Carolina, specializes in high-end kitchen cabinetry and sources its imported wood from Germany, Italy, and Canada. Recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported kitchen cabinets, vanities, lumber, timber, and certain upholstered furniture can range from 10% to 50%. The structure of these tariffs includes a 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber imports, with kitchen cabinets and vanities facing a significant 25% tariff that will double to 50% on January 1.
As the tariffs affect costs, business owners like Mercer are finding it increasingly challenging to uphold prices for customers who signed contracts before the tariffs were announced. These price increases could significantly alter consumer preferences regarding home designs as people reconsider the costs associated with kitchen renovations that can range from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on finishes and material choices.
A report by Goldman Sachs predicts that consumers will bear approximately 55% of the added tariff costs by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the National Association of Homebuilders warns that these tariffs could further inflate construction and renovation expenses, compounding difficulties in the already struggling housing market.
In response to the tariffs, Mercer is collaborating with American manufacturers to explore alternative materials, hoping to reduce the impact of these price increases. Other local business owners also express concern over escalating material costs, which threaten their profit margins and reflect broader industry apprehensions. Retailers and cafes, such as Knowledge Perk Coffee Company, are bracing for increased prices for imported coffee due to similar tariff implications.
Local small business owners, including bakers and custom clothing stores, face uncertainty as they adjust to fluctuating supplier costs. Consequently, the economic impact of tariffs is causing these businesses to strategize on adapting to rising product prices and potential shifts in demand.
Entrepreneurs in the region urge the community to support local businesses to prevent potential closures amidst the economic uncertainty launched by these new tariff policies. As the situation evolves, the featuring of local businesses remains essential for stability within the community.
FAQ
What are the recent tariff rates that affect Kitchen Cabinet businesses?
A tariff imposed by the Trump administration on imported kitchen cabinets, vanities, lumber, timber, and certain upholstered furniture ranges from 10% to 50%. The tariff structure includes a 10% tariff on softwood lumber and timber imports, with kitchen cabinets and vanities facing a 25% tariff that will double to 50% on January 1.
How much do kitchen renovations typically cost?
Cost for kitchen renovations can range from $60,000 to $90,000, depending on finishes and material choices.
What impact will tariffs have on consumers, according to the Goldman Sachs report?
A Goldman Sachs report predicts that consumers will absorb approximately 55% of the added tariff costs by year-end.
What concerns do small business owners have regarding rising material costs?
Other local business owners express concern over rising material costs due to tariffs affecting their profit margins, reflecting broader industry worries.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Business Affected | Forest Kitchen Design |
| Tariff Range | 10% to 50% |
| Kitchen Renovation Costs | $60,000 to $90,000 |
| Consumer Impact | 55% of tariff costs borne by consumers |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Investment in Affordable Housing in Upstate South Carolina
Additional Resources
- QC News: Charlotte High-End Cabinet Business
- Charlotte Observer: Tariffs Impact on Local Business
- Spectrum Local News: Coffee Roaster Plans for Tariffs
- Charlotte Magazine: Charlotte Brewers’ Crisis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tariffs
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
