Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new set of tariffs on Monday evening, including a 10% duty on softwood timber and lumber and a 25% tariff on certain upholstered wooden products. The measures are set to take effect on October 14, according to the White House.
This follows an earlier wave of tariffs announced on September 26 via Truth Social, covering kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and additional upholstered furniture, with implementation scheduled for October 1. Trump described the measures as steps to “strengthen supply chains” and enhance industrial resilience in U.S. manufacturing.
Industry experts and homebuilders have expressed concern that the tariffs could increase construction costs and slow investment in new housing and renovations. Canada, the largest supplier of wood to the U.S., is expected to be particularly affected, with imports already subject to duties of 35.2%.
In addition to tariffs on lumber and furniture, Trump announced plans for substantial duties on other imported products, including foreign films and patented pharmaceuticals. Some pharmaceutical tariffs could reach 100% unless production facilities are established in the U.S. or the imports are covered under an existing trade agreement.
Trump also noted that farmers may experience short-term challenges due to the new tariffs but suggested that the measures would eventually benefit U.S. agricultural producers. Specific plans for supporting farmers with accrued tariff revenue remain unclear, and pending legal reviews could affect the implementation of these measures.
Observers note that these tariffs are part of a broader trade strategy targeting multiple industries, including heavy trucks, kitchen cabinetry, pharmaceuticals, and furniture, as the administration seeks to bolster domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
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