Import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on October 14 are causing unintended harm to the international trade of antiques and decorative arts. The executive order, signed on September 29, placed 25 percent tariffs on wood imports and products like upholstered furniture and kitchen cabinets, with further increases scheduled for January 1, 2026. While painting, sculpture, and fine art are exempt under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act, collectibles such as antique furniture, watches, wine, and classic cars are not protected. Dealers like Millicent Ford Creech and Michael Pashby report that the costs are unpredictable and largely absorbed by businesses, with shippers struggling to quote rates amid constant fluctuations.
This matters because the tariffs threaten a niche but historically significant sector of the art market—antiques and decorative arts—which relies heavily on international trade. The Supreme Court is set to review the legality of the tariffs today, determining whether they are unconstitutional or exceed presidential authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The outcome could set a precedent for how trade policy affects cultural goods and the broader art market.