DHA Insights: January 15, 2026
Welcome to DHA’s first newsletter of 2026! 2026 is sure to be another year full of dramatic changes that will impact our industry. DHA will continue to advocate for our members, promote our products, and make sure our members are well-informed about changes that will affect their businesses.
2026 is off to a rapid start as the Trump administration announced a one-year delay in the increase in Section 232 tariffs on cabinets from 25% to 50%, now scheduled to take effect in January 2027. The administration appears to be rethinking some tariffs as organizations like the National Association of Home Builders push back on tariffs that they claim will increase home prices.
However, cabinet tariffs represent an insignificant increase in home prices and pale in comparison to regulatory costs. U.S. cabinet manufacturer capacity utilization rates have fallen below 40% and U.S. cabinet sales have declined throughout 2025. It’s not clear if the current 25% Section 232 tariffs will be enough to prevent the continued dumping of cabinets into the U.S., which is decimating U.S. cabinet manufacturers.
If you have questions or comments, contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Keith A. Christman, President
PHOTO © MOLLY RILEY, THE WHITE HOUSE