Tariffs threaten a Michigan woodworker’s business

WARREN, Michigan — Michael Howard never intended to become a furniture maker. He didn’t own a screwdriver, had never built a table, and had no business plan. He did have a new house, an empty garage, and a wife who was starting to wonder whether he had lost his mind.

The young couple had just moved back to Michigan and discovered they had no real furniture. At a big-box store, Howard found a poorly made, overpriced dining table that cost about $700. The four chairs they needed would add another $175 each.