WASHINGTON - President Trump announced a new round of tariffs targeting a range of imports including trucks, pharmaceuticals, and kitchen/bathroom cabinets, escalating his management’s protectionist trade policies. Teh new levies, set to take effect next week with a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, build upon previously imposed duties on steel, aluminum, cars, and components, as well as sweeping tariffs on more than 90 countries implemented in early August.
The administration stated the tariffs are designed to bolster domestic manufacturing and create jobs within the United States. However, the move comes despite warnings from industry groups like the US Chamber of Commerce, which argued the tariffs will raise costs for consumers and disrupt supply chains. The Chamber specifically highlighted the reliance on countries like Mexico, Canada, Germany, Finland, and Japan for truck parts, noting that over half of US truck part imports last year came from Mexico and Canada alone.
The new duties on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and other furniture, are a direct response to high import levels impacting local manufacturers, according to the President. Trade expert Deborah Elms of the Hinrich Foundation characterized the tariffs as “terrible” for consumers, predicting price increases. She also suggested the industry-specific taxes could act as a revenue safeguard while the legality of Trump’s broader tariffs faces ongoing court challenges.
These latest actions expand Trump’s tariff policies, a cornerstone of his time in office, and move beyond reciprocal tariffs aimed at correcting trade imbalances to broader import taxes. The President has previously stated these measures are intended to “protect” domestic firms ”from the onslaught of outside interruptions.”
