Tariffs Hammer Flooring Imports, Shift Global Supply Chain
Imports of flooring to the US have seen a significant decline due to growing tariff pressures. According to Catalina Research, import shipments are expected to fall by around 8% in both dollar and square foot value in 2026. This means imports could account for 42.6% of total US floor covering dollar sales and 56.9% of square foot sales this year, compared to 44.7% and 58.6% in 2025.
The impact of tariffs has been a major factor in this shift, with total tariff charges estimated to reach $1.9 billion in 2026, representing 15.2% of the total landed value of imports. In contrast, tariffs accounted for around 7% in 2024.
As costs have increased, product sourcing has shifted away from China and towards other manufacturing hubs, with Vietnam becoming the leading source of imported flooring, accounting for an estimated 10.4% of total US dollar supply. Other key sources include India, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico, which together are expected to account for around 14.5% of total US supply in 2026.
The decline in import share is most noticeable in certain categories, such as carpet and rugs, non-LVT resilient flooring, and ceramic and porcelain tile. In contrast, domestic manufacturers have regained share in wood, ceramic and porcelain tile, rigid core LVT, and laminate.