Does Imported Furniture Cost More?

Not necessarily — when it comes to hotel furniture procurement, one of the most common misconceptions is that imported furniture costs more once tariffs are applied.
Truth is, that is often not the case. Even after factoring in tariffs & ocean freight, imported furniture frequently remains more affordable than American-made alternatives and offers a wider range of styles, materials and customization options.

Imported products, particularly those sourced from established manufacturers in China and Southeast Asia, continue to provide exceptional value. Overseas manufactured FF&E has excelled in three ways; quality, price and customizability.

High quality: Many overseas facilities specialize in complex metalwork, casegoods and hospitality furniture that meet brand standards and durability requirements.

Competitive pricing: Even with tariff costs included, imported items often come in under the total landed cost of similar domestic pieces.

Customization Options: Certain engineered details, lighting integrations and specialty metal components cannot be produced domestically for a reasonable cost.

This combination of value and variety gives hotel owners more freedom to meet standards and design goals while protecting their budgets.

At Valiant Products, we offer both options, as we manufacture domestically and overseas, providing our clients with multiple choices depending on their project goals, lead times, budgets, and style of furniture.

Some projects benefit from domestic production because it offers faster sample turnarounds or works best for smaller quantity orders. Other projects benefit from importing because it supports design flexibility, wider material selection, and cost efficiency.

It’s not about avoiding tariffs. It’s about strategic sourcing and supply-chain planning. For some projects, domestic production offers faster turnaround. For others, importing provides design flexibility and cost efficiency. The key is knowing when to leverage each. Whichever is the right option for you, we can help.

Procurement decisions should come from clear information, not assumptions. Tariffs do not automatically make imported furniture more expensive. In many cases, the overall cost advantage still leans toward overseas manufacturing.

Where domestic production excels is in sample development, smaller quantities and quick-turn projects. Where importing excels is in customization, material options and total project value.

Before letting headlines or misconceptions shape your strategy, talk to a hotel FF&E manufacturer who produces both domestically and overseas. Valiant does that. Contact Valiant to get direct advice from experts who have the latest information so you can make a smart, informed decision on what’s the best option for you.

Valiant helps hotel owners and developers choose the sourcing approach that delivers the best value. Whether you need custom hospitality furnishings, brand-approved FF&E or competitive pricing for an upcoming renovation, we provide both domestic and overseas options that balance cost, quality and lead time.

Contact Valiant to explore the best sourcing strategy for your project.