New US Presidential Duties on Cabinet Units, Timber, and Furniture Take Effect

Illustration of tariff policy

A series of recently announced US import duties targeting imported cabinet units, vanities, wood products, and specific furnished seating have been implemented.

As per a proclamation authorized by President Donald Trump last month, a 10% import tax on softwood lumber foreign shipments was activated starting Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Upcoming Changes

A twenty-five percent duty is likewise enforced on imported cabinet units and bathroom vanities – rising to fifty percent on January 1st – while a twenty-five percent tariff on upholstered wooden furniture will increase to thirty percent, except if updated trade deals get agreed upon.

The President has pointed to the imperative to protect domestic industries and defense interests for the move, but some in the industry are concerned the tariffs could elevate home expenses and lead customers put off residential upgrades.

Understanding Import Taxes

Import taxes are taxes on imported goods usually imposed as a percentage of a product's value and are paid to the American authorities by firms importing the goods.

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.

Earlier Tariff Policies

The chief executive's duty approaches have been a key feature of his latest term in the executive office.

The president has earlier enacted targeted duties on steel, metallic element, light metal, automobiles, and auto parts.

Impact on Canada

The additional international ten percent tariffs on soft timber implies the commodity from Canada – the second largest producer internationally and a major US supplier – is now taxed at over forty-five percent.

There is already a combined thirty-five point sixteen percent US offsetting and anti-dumping duties imposed on most northern industry players as part of a decades-long disagreement over the commodity between the two countries.

Commercial Agreements and Exclusions

In accordance with existing bilateral pacts with the US, tariffs on wood products from the UK will not go beyond 10%, while those from the EU bloc and Japanese nation will not exceed fifteen percent.

White House Rationale

The executive branch states the president's duties have been implemented "to guard against dangers" to the America's domestic security and to "strengthen manufacturing".

Business Apprehensions

But the National Association of Homebuilders stated in a announcement in late September that the fresh tariffs could escalate homebuilding expenses.

"These fresh duties will produce additional obstacles for an already challenged homebuilding industry by additionally increasing development and upgrade charges," said head the group's leader.

Seller Viewpoint

According to an advisory firm top official and senior retail analyst the expert, stores will have no choice but to hike rates on imported goods.

In comments to a media partner in the previous month, she said stores would try not to increase costs too much ahead of the year-end shopping, but "they are unable to accommodate thirty percent duties on in addition to existing duties that are already in place".

"They'll have to shift pricing, almost certainly in the form of a two-figure cost hike," she added.

Ikea Statement

Recently Scandinavian home furnishings leader the retailer said the levies on furniture imports make operating "tougher".

"The levies are impacting our company in the same way as other companies, and we are attentively observing the developing circumstances," the enterprise remarked.

Lori Jackson
Lori Jackson

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing actionable tips and inspiring stories.