New US Presidential Tariffs on Cabinet Units, Timber, and Home Furnishings Are Now Active

Illustration of tariff policy

A series of new American tariffs targeting imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, lumber, and specific furnished seating are now in effect.

As per a presidential directive authorized by President Donald Trump last month, a 10% tariff on softwood lumber imports came into play this Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Future Increases

A 25% tariff will also apply on imported cabinet units and bathroom vanities – escalating to fifty percent on 1 January – while a twenty-five percent tariff on wooden seating with fabric will increase to thirty percent, unless new trade agreements get agreed upon.

Donald Trump has pointed to the necessity to shield domestic industries and defense interests for the action, but some in the industry fear the taxes could increase housing costs and lead homeowners delay residential upgrades.

Defining Tariffs

Tariffs are taxes on overseas merchandise commonly applied as a percentage of a good's value and are remitted to the federal administration by firms importing the goods.

These companies may pass some or all of the increased charge on to their customers, which in this scenario means everyday US citizens and other US businesses.

Earlier Tariff Policies

The leader's tariff policies have been a central element of his latest term in the White House.

Donald Trump has before implemented targeted duties on metal, metallic element, light metal, vehicles, and auto parts.

Impact on Northern Neighbor

The supplementary worldwide ten percent tariffs on wood materials implies the material from Canada – the number two global supplier globally and a significant American provider – is now taxed at above 45 percent.

There is currently a total thirty-five point sixteen percent American offsetting and anti-dumping duties imposed on most northern industry players as part of a years-old disagreement over the product between the both nations.

Trade Deals and Limitations

In accordance with current trade deals with the US, levies on lumber items from the UK will not go beyond ten percent, while those from the European Union and Japan will not surpass fifteen percent.

White House Justification

The presidential administration states the president's tariffs have been put in place "to defend from dangers" to the America's national security and to "strengthen factory output".

Business Worries

But the Residential Construction Group commented in a announcement in last month that the new levies could increase residential construction prices.

"These recent levies will generate further challenges for an presently strained homebuilding industry by even more elevating construction and renovation costs," remarked head Buddy Hughes.

Seller Outlook

Based on Telsey Advisory Group managing director and retail expert the analyst, merchants will have no choice but to hike rates on imported goods.

In comments to a media partner recently, she stated sellers would attempt not to hike rates excessively ahead of the year-end shopping, but "they are unable to accommodate thirty percent tariffs on alongside previous levies that are already in place".

"They must shift costs, almost certainly in the shape of a double-digit rate rise," she added.

Furniture Giant Reaction

Recently Scandinavian furniture giant the company commented the tariffs on imported furnishings render conducting commerce "tougher".

"These duties are impacting our operations in the same way as additional firms, and we are carefully watching the developing circumstances," the company remarked.

Lauren Wilson
Lauren Wilson

Tech enthusiast and startup advisor with a passion for driving innovation and sharing actionable insights.