Interview IHA As of 11 July, according to the Yale Budget Lab, Americans faced an average tariff rate of 18.7 per cent – the highest rate since 1933. These include 30 per cent tariffs on China, a 50 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum, 25 per cent on auto parts and a universal 10 per cent tariff on all imports. With The Inspired Home Show taking place in March ’26, organisers have implemented a Tariff Relief Program to help exhibitors, we hear more from IHA president Derek Miller…
“The tariff issue has created a great amount of uncertainty in the market” Derek, thank you for speaking with Tableware International. How are preparations for the next Inspired Home Show going? Preparations for The Inspired Home Show 2026 are going well. Early on, the IHA board of directors decided not to increase space rates from the 2025 levels. Freeman, the show’s general contractor, also agree to hold rates. In late June, the IHA board also decided to reduce member rates by $4.00 per square foot and to offer payment plans for any member exhibitor that may need extra time to pay. IHA is a notfor-profit trade organization that exists to benefit the industry – our Tariff Relief Program is one way the association is assisting our members during a challenging time. What impact, if any, has the discourse around US tariffs had on your trade show? The tariff issue has created a great amount of uncertainty in the market with most companies watching tariffs closely and any announcements that may give a better indication on when the rates will be solidified. IHA understands the situation and decided to scale back on actively driving registration and to extend
dates so that the industry has more time to make informed decisions. We’ve also created a Tariff Resources page (www. housewares.org/tariff-resources/) to help members and the industry navigate as details evolve. Has there been any notable impact on international brands committing to exhibiting at the
“The tariffs are impacting companies of all sizes – whether you are reliant on one container or 100 to fulfil your orders, the economics are challenging” Inspired Home Show? We have strong interest from international brands, including heightened demand from those that manufacture outside of China. With much of the tariff attention focused on China, and with the belief that tariff agreements will be made with various countries, many companies see this as an opportune time to enter the US market in place of Chinese competitors. Countries such as Turkey, Brazil and India are especially interested in the show.
Did you know?
US retailers who attend The Inspired Home Show represent over $64 billion in buying power and more than 100,000 retail locations. 68 TABLEWARE INTERNATIONAL
Talk to us a little about what you are hearing directly from US brands importing their product for distribution in the United States? How are they feeling? What sort of impact are the tariffs having on them? Everyone is, of course, concerned and are looking at a wide variety of options on how to source the right products at the right price
with the country of origin being of utmost importance. The fact remains though that the US market is the largest in the world and thus highly important. We have endured through economic obstacles in the past and have emerged stronger than before. Although the current period is challenging, there is high optimism about the future. We will all have more clarity as tariff agreements are finalised. Obviously, the homewares sector relies heavily on Chinese production, what viable alternative are the companies you are speaking with considering? Many have already moved production to alternative countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, and there is a push for additional
sourcing from India. Countries such as Turkey and Brazil are also of great interest. Mexico, and in some cases, US production are also viable options. What size homeware companies are suffering the most with these tariffs? The tariffs are impacting companies of all sizes – whether you are reliant on one container or 100 to fulfil your orders, the economics are challenging. Finally, how does the IHA anticipate this situation will play out? The tariff situation will be resolved, and the industry needs to be as patient as possible while negotiations take place. The industry will ultimately adjust and adapt to meet the needs of the consumer. The Inspired Home Show provides the unique opportunity for home and housewares companies and buyers to meet under one roof. With tariffs reshaping the consumer goods landscape, the show offers a critical marketplace for gaining a competitive edge, finding sourcing alternatives and connecting with industry leaders.