In what is considered a major marketing move, Trendway Corp., a Michigan employee-owned office furniture manufacturer, has announced its commitment to no price increases in the next 12 months despite rising trade tariffs on import materials from China.

Tariffs of 10 percent have already been imposed on components and raw materials coming from China with expectations that these tariffs will increase to 25 percent on January 1, 2019. While many manufacturers may choose to pass along the added expense to their customers in the form of price increases, Trendway has remained commited to not raising its prices.

“At this time of uncertainty, Trendway will create price stability for its clients with projects scheduled to install within the next 12 months,” said Mark Kinsler, Trendway president. “As a company committed to speed, ease, and quality, we are renewing our commitment by continuing to source as much as possible from domestic resources, which will provide us with the ability to grow and thrive in this current business climate.”

Increasing tariffs have impacted the contract furniture industry due to the number of products that rely on components and raw materials from China.

“Because we source the vast majority of our components and raw materials locally, Trendway is in a unique position in the office furniture industry to protect our customers from price increases,” said Kinsler. “Our local sourcing approach has been a key component of our strategy, enabling Trendway to deliver its products with the fastest lead time in the industry.”