HIGH POINT, N.C. -- High Point's furniture leaders say recent federal tariffs are affecting business, market attendance, and long-term planning. Today, the city's mayor and industry executives held an event to outline those concerns.

The Phillips Collection warehouse is one of five here in High Point. They sell millions of dollars' worth of furniture at the High Point marketplace every year. But with recent tariff increases, products are becoming harder to sell, leaving some business owners uncertain of the future.

Mayor Cyril Jefferson pointed to attendance trends at the last High Point Furniture Marketplaces. He says turnout has fallen in back-to-back cycles since tariff changes were announced last spring, and he believes that decline poses challenges for a city that relies heavily on the biannual event. The event saw a double-digit decrease in market attendance among international buyers during the April Market this year.

"As that attendance comes down, we're seeing our businesses faced with fewer customers and lower sales. A tax by any other name is still a tax," said High Point Mayor Cyril Jefferson.

Furniture leaders at the event say higher costs on imported materials are influencing everything from pricing to production timelines. They say those costs ripple into what customers pay and can shape buyers' decisions during market week, and year-round.

"When tariff polices shift suddenly, it makes planning feel a bit like building on sand. Even the best design collections need a stable foundation," said Phillips Collection Chairman Mark Phillips.

Speakers also shared concerns about international participation. High point typically draws buyers from more than 20 countries, but some leaders say recent markets have seen fewer global attendees, a trend they believe could be linked to supply chain disruptions and higher import costs.

But supporters of the tariffs including national republican leadership have previously argued the policies are designed to make u.S. Manufacturing more competitive and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

Mayor Jefferson says he wants Republican federal lawmakers in North Carolina to visit High Point, talk directly with merchants, and see firsthand the impact of the tariffs.