New Trump Import Taxes on Kitchen Cabinets, Lumber, and Furniture Take Effect

Illustration of trade policy

Several new US levies targeting imported kitchen cabinets, vanities, timber, and select upholstered furniture have come into force.

As per a executive order authorized by President Donald Trump in the previous month, a ten percent duty on soft timber imports was activated starting Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Upcoming Changes

A 25% levy is likewise enforced on foreign-made kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities – escalating to fifty percent on January 1st – while a 25% tariff on wooden seating with fabric will increase to thirty percent, provided that no fresh commercial pacts get finalized.

Trump has pointed to the imperative to shield US manufacturers and defense interests for the move, but various industry players fear the duties could increase residential prices and lead homeowners delay house remodeling.

Defining Customs Duties

Customs duties are levies on imported goods commonly applied as a percentage of a product's value and are paid to the US government by firms importing the items.

These companies may shift part or the whole of the extra cost on to their clients, which in this scenario means typical American consumers and further domestic companies.

Earlier Duty Approaches

The chief executive's duty approaches have been a prominent aspect of his current administration in the presidency.

Donald Trump has earlier enacted targeted tariffs on metal, copper, aluminium, vehicles, and auto parts.

Effect on Canada

The supplementary international 10% levies on wood materials means the product from the northern neighbor – the second largest producer globally and a significant American provider – is now taxed at above 45 percent.

There is currently a aggregate 35.16% US offsetting and anti-dumping duties imposed on the majority of northern industry players as part of a decades-long conflict over the item between the neighboring nations.

Bilateral Pacts and Limitations

As part of current commercial agreements with the US, levies on lumber items from the United Kingdom will not surpass ten percent, while those from the EU bloc and Japan will not surpass fifteen percent.

Administration Justification

The White House states Donald Trump's duties have been put in place "to defend from threats" to the America's domestic security and to "strengthen industrial production".

Sector Worries

But the Residential Construction Group stated in a release in late September that the fresh tariffs could escalate homebuilding expenses.

"These fresh duties will produce further headwinds for an already challenged homebuilding industry by further raising development and upgrade charges," stated head the association's chairman.

Merchant Viewpoint

According to Telsey Advisory Group top official and market analyst Cristina Fernández, merchants will have no choice but to increase costs on foreign products.

During an interview with a news outlet in the previous month, she noted stores would attempt not to increase costs drastically ahead of the year-end shopping, but "they are unable to accommodate 30% tariffs on top of previous levies that are currently active".

"They must shift costs, probably in the guise of a double-digit price increase," she remarked.

Retail Leader Reaction

In the previous month Swedish home furnishings leader the company commented the levies on furniture imports render operating "tougher".

"These duties are affecting our business in the same way as additional firms, and we are attentively observing the developing circumstances," the firm said.

Carolyn Wilson
Carolyn Wilson

A passionate traveler and writer who has journeyed to over 50 countries, sharing insights and experiences to inspire others.