Behind every artwork sold or piece of design exported lies a delicate network of international relationships. When trade policies shift, the cultural and economic balance can change overnight—posing new challenges for artists, galleries, and the entire creative ecosystem.
In a bold and controversial move, the United States introduced a sweeping 20% tariff on a broad range of imports from the European Union starting April 9, 2025. This decision, promoted by the Trump administration as “Economic Liberation Day,” is one of the earliest economic actions of his second term. However, what’s being hailed in Washington as a symbol of sovereignty and protectionism is being viewed across Europe as a serious threat to culture, creativity, and commerce—especially in the art market and interior design sectors.
While the headlines focus on trade wars and political posturing, the consequences for galleries, collectors, artists, and designers are much more concrete—and potentially damaging.
How the New Tariffs Impact the Art Market
For anyone involved in the international art market, the effects of this tariff are both immediate and far-reaching. The rule is simple: any artwork imported from the European Union into the United States will now carry an additional 20% cost, calculated based on the declared value at customs.
To a casual observer, this might sound like a minor surcharge. But for serious collectors, a 20% price hike can mean tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars added to a single purchase. Given the subjective and often volatile nature of art pricing, this additional cost could easily deter buyers or delay acquisitions.
Art dealers and gallery owners know just how sensitive the market can be. A small shift in value or a hiccup in negotiations is often enough to derail a deal. Now, many fear that these new costs will chill transatlantic transactions and disrupt years of carefully built relationships.
The US: A Central Pillar in the Global Art Market
What makes these tariffs especially impactful is the central role of the United States in the global art market. According to The Art Newspaper (December 2024), the U.S. accounts for a staggering 42% of all global art sales, with New York serving as the nerve center for high-end collecting, major auctions, and cultural trendsetting.
When European artists are unable to access the U.S. market, they risk remaining peripheral in global conversations. Likewise, European galleries that fail to establish a strong presence across the Atlantic often find themselves sidelined. In this context, tariffs are not merely a bureaucratic annoyance—they are a direct blow to visibility, growth, and sustainability.
Artnet reports growing anxiety among galleries, many of whom fear a domino effect: fewer American sales, reduced exposure for their artists, and a tightening of already fragile business models. Artsy went as far as to describe the situation as “a systemic threat to the European secondary art market.”
Interior Design Industry Faces Parallel Risks
This wave of protectionism doesn’t just affect visual arts. The interior design and luxury furniture industry is also bracing for impact. The timing is especially striking, as Milan prepares to host the 63rd edition of the Salone del Mobile, the world’s most important furniture and design fair.
Italy exported over €67 billion worth of goods to the United States in 2023, with a significant portion coming from the furniture and interior design sectors. Last year alone, the Italian furniture sector saw a 3.5% increase in exports to the US. That growth is now at risk.
Claudio Feltrin, president of FederlegnoArredo, noted that “the fragile economic landscape in Germany and France, combined with the threat of Chinese goods entering European markets, presents a complex and unpredictable challenge.” In this scenario, Salone del Mobile becomes more than a celebration of design—it becomes a critical business platform for companies seeking to strengthen or diversify their global reach.
Maria Porro, president of Salone del Mobile and chair of the European Furniture Industries Confederation, stressed the need for unity: “Now more than ever, Europe must stand together to support its design and furniture industries in navigating these new trade barriers.”
Galleries Caught in the Middle: What Now?
Art galleries across Europe—particularly those that rely heavily on American collectors—now face a difficult question: how to adapt? The implications go beyond pricing. If U.S. collectors pull back, artists lose international visibility, exhibitions may shrink in scope, and cross-border collaboration becomes more difficult.
For galleries, this is a critical moment to reassess their export strategies, explore emerging markets, and strengthen direct relationships with collectors around the world. As the American market becomes more complicated, regions like the Gulf States, Southeast Asia, and even Latin America could offer new opportunities for expansion.
Looking East: China as a Rising Competitor
Another major concern is the rise of Chinese exports in the interior design and furniture sector. With U.S. tariffs potentially reshaping transatlantic trade, Chinese manufacturers—often not held to the same environmental and safety standards as their European counterparts—could flood the European market with lower-cost alternatives.
This threat could force European brands and galleries to double down on their value propositions: sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural authenticity. These are traits that define both European artworks and design, and could become key differentiators in a highly competitive global marketplace.
A Turning Point for the Art World
The implementation of these tariffs marks a significant shift in global trade and cultural exchange. While some may hope the situation is temporary or politically motivated, the effects on the art market and interior design industry could be long-lasting.
For European galleries, dealers, and artists, the path forward requires resilience, adaptability, and above all, a renewed commitment to internationalism. The art world thrives on dialogue, diversity, and cross-border collaboration—and in times of uncertainty, these values become more important than ever.