Tariffs Spark Shift in US Flooring Imports from China

Tariffs are reshaping the flooring industry in the United States, leading to a decline in import shipments and a shift away from China as a manufacturing hub.

According to Catalina Research, import shipments are expected to fall by approximately 8 percent in both dollars and square feet in 2026, while domestic factory shipments remain relatively unchanged. As a result, imports could account for 42.6 percent of total U.S. floor covering dollar sales and 56.9 percent of square foot sales this year, compared with 44.7 percent and 58.6 percent in 2025.

The growing impact of tariffs is cited as the main reason for the decline in import share, with total tariff charges estimated to reach $1.9 billion in 2026, representing 15.2 percent of the total landed value of imports. In contrast, tariffs accounted for approximately 7 percent in 2024.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has emerged as a leading source of imported flooring, accounting for an estimated 10.4 percent of total U.S. dollar supply this year. Other key sources include India, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico, which together are expected to account for approximately 14.5 percent of total U.S. supply in 2026.