Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday the introduction of new tariffs targeting lumber and a range of wooden products, a move expected to affect both the construction and home furnishing industries.
Under the proclamation, the United States will impose a 10% tariff on imported softwood lumber and timber, along with a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture. These rates will take effect on October 14. Starting January 1, tariffs on cabinets will rise to 50%, while tariffs on upholstered furniture will increase to 30%.
Trump said the measures are intended to strengthen U.S. supply chains, boost domestic production, and create jobs. He emphasized that the new tariffs would help increase the nation’s industrial resilience and reduce reliance on imports.
Earlier this year, the White House directed the Commerce Department to review potential risks associated with imported lumber. Canada, which supplies about 30% of the softwood lumber used in the U.S., has been a key focus. While Trump has argued that America’s timber resources are sufficient to meet demand, industry experts caution that current production capacity may not fully replace imports.
Economists and housing analysts warn that the tariffs could raise the cost of building materials, potentially contributing to higher home prices at a time when affordability is already strained. Lumber imports from Canada are already subject to countervailing and anti-dumping duties of 14.5%.
The furniture sector has also been experiencing price increases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, furniture costs rose 4.7% in August 2025 compared with the previous year, with living and dining room furniture climbing by 9.5%. Analysts attribute part of this increase to tariffs on imports from countries such as China and Vietnam, which together exported $12 billion worth of furniture and fixtures to the U.S. last year.
Market reaction has been immediate, with shares of Wayfair, RH, and Williams-Sonoma falling in recent days. While Trump has highlighted the tariffs as a step toward revitalizing U.S. furniture manufacturing, including the long-standing industry in North Carolina, business groups and consumer advocates remain concerned about potential cost pressures.
Observers note that these tariffs expand Trump’s trade policies into sectors tied directly to household expenses, raising questions about their long-term impact on affordability and supply chain stability.
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