MEXICO –   Following the precedent set by the footwear industry, furniture manufacturers in Jalisco are urging the Federal Government to impose a 30% tariff on imported finished furniture, mainly from China and other Asian countries.

Mercedes Abundis Sánchez, president of the Jalisco Furniture Manufacturers Association (Afamjal), warned that excessive imports are severely affecting the local sector.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro expressed his support for the proposal, clarifying that the tariff would not apply to spare parts, accessories, or raw materials used in furniture production. “What is affecting them is that there are different categories for furniture imports—some pay 10% and others 30%. What the industry is proposing is to standardize it at 30%,” he said.

Lemus also noted that many local producers are abandoning manufacturing to become importers, reducing employment across the sector.

Alejandro Malagón, president of Concamin, also backed the initiative, stressing the need to curb unfair practices such as undervaluation, technical smuggling, and dumping. “We reject practices that put jobs, investment, and competitiveness at risk. Protecting our companies today is protecting Mexico,” he stated. Malagón emphasized that employment, investment, and consumer spending in the furniture industry are being diverted abroad.