Recently Enforced Trump Duties on Kitchen Cabinets, Lumber, and Furniture Are Now Active

Illustration of trade measures

A series of new US tariffs targeting foreign-sourced kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, lumber, and select upholstered furniture have been implemented.

Following a executive order authorized by Chief Executive Donald Trump last month, a 10% duty on wood materials foreign shipments took effect on Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Future Increases

A 25% duty will also apply on imported kitchen cabinets and vanities – increasing to fifty percent on 1 January – while a twenty-five percent import tax on upholstered wooden furniture is set to rise to 30%, provided that no updated trade deals get agreed upon.

The President has pointed to the necessity to safeguard American producers and security considerations for the decision, but certain sector experts fear the taxes could increase home expenses and make consumers postpone house remodeling.

Explaining Customs Duties

Import taxes are charges on imported goods typically imposed as a percentage of a good's cost and are submitted to the American authorities by businesses bringing in the items.

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

Past Import Tax Strategies

The leader's tariff policies have been a key feature of his second term in the White House.

Trump has before implemented sector-specific tariffs on metal, metallic element, aluminium, automobiles, and vehicle components.

Impact on Canadian Producers

The supplementary global ten percent duties on soft timber signifies the product from Canada – the number two global supplier worldwide and a key American provider – is now taxed at above 45 percent.

There is currently a combined 35.16% US countervailing and anti-dumping tariffs imposed on most northern industry players as part of a years-old dispute over the product between the both nations.

Trade Deals and Exemptions

Under current trade deals with the United States, tariffs on lumber items from the Britain will not go beyond ten percent, while those from the European Union and Japanese nation will not exceed fifteen percent.

White House Explanation

The White House says Donald Trump's import taxes have been enacted "to defend from dangers" to the US's domestic security and to "enhance industrial production".

Business Worries

But the Homebuilders Association said in a release in the end of September that the fresh tariffs could escalate residential construction prices.

"These fresh duties will produce extra headwinds for an already challenged residential sector by additionally increasing construction and renovation costs," stated head Buddy Hughes.

Merchant Viewpoint

Based on an advisory firm managing director and market analyst the expert, merchants will have no choice but to raise prices on imported goods.

In comments to a media partner last month, she said sellers would attempt not to hike rates too much ahead of the holiday season, but "they cannot withstand 30% tariffs on in addition to other tariffs that are already in place".

"They will need to shift expenses, likely in the form of a two-figure price increase," she added.

Retail Leader Statement

Recently Scandinavian home furnishings leader the company commented the levies on imported furnishings make conducting commerce "more difficult".

"The tariffs are influencing our company similarly to other companies, and we are closely monitoring the developing circumstances," the firm remarked.

Christopher Jacobs
Christopher Jacobs

A tech enthusiast and avid traveler sharing insights and stories from around the world.