President Trump on Monday unveiled new 10% tariffs on wood imports, while also delaying 25% duties on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and upholstered furniture by two weeks to Oct. 14.
In a White House proclamation, Trump shared details on incoming tariff blasts that he initially announced in social media posts last week, though he didn’t expand on proposed rates on pharmaceutical drugs and heavy trucks.
He warned that tariffs on upholstered furniture will jump to 30% and rates on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities will increase to 50% on Jan. 1, 2026, unless foreign nations are able to reach trade agreements.
Like many of his other tariffs, Trump used national security concerns as justification for the import taxes.
He is currently awaiting a Supreme Court decision on whether that route is overstepping his presidential authority, after two lower courts struck down the vast majority of his import taxes.
The Trump administration argued that mass imports of softwood lumber are taking a hammer to the US economy, nodding to the closure of US wood mills.
“Wood products serve as essential inputs across multiple sectors, supporting national defense, critical infrastructure, economic stability, and industrial resilience in the United States,” the proclamation said.
“It is vital for the United States to possess manufacturing capabilities in the wood and lumber sector to ensure readiness and guarantee the national security.”
It’s a detrimental hit to Canada, which is the largest supplier of softwood lumber to the US and already faces steep anti-dumping tariffs of approximately 35%.
Canada is still trying to negotiate lower US tariff rates on its goods.
In the meantime, the country said it would offer up to C$1.2 billion – or about $870 million – in aid to its lumber manufacturers.
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In the proclamation, Trump said the United Kingdom, the European Union and Japan “will enjoy more favorable treatment” since they have already clinched trade deals with the US.
Tariffs on wood imports from the UK will not exceed 10%, while rates on wood from the EU and Japan will not surpass 15%.
His statement made no mention of the US’ deal with Vietnam in July on a 20% tariff rate.
This agreement has yet to be formally documented.
In 2018, during his first term, Trump slapped Chinese furniture with 25% tariffs.
Mexico and Vietnam have since emerged as growing producers.
Earlier this year, as the Commerce Department investigated lumber imports over national security concerns, the US Chamber of Commerce came out in fierce opposition to tariffs on wood imports.
“Imports of these goods do not represent a national security risk,” the Chamber of Commerce said in April.
“Imposing tariffs on these goods would raise costs for US businesses and home construction, undermine the export success enjoyed by the US paper industry, and reduce incomes in many US communities.”
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