Trump’s New Tariffs Impose 10% on Lumber, 25% on Cabinets and Furniture Imports

On September 29, 2025, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that introduced fresh tariffs on timber and lumber imports. The new measures include a 10% tariff on imported timber and lumber, and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture. This move is part of Trump’s ongoing trade strategy to protect US industries under Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs to be imposed on imports that threaten national security.

Details of the New Tariffs

The tariffs, set to go into effect on October 14, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, target key industries that the Trump administration claims undermine the US economy and national security. According to the proclamation, these imports are eroding the viability of the domestic wood industry, leading to mill closures, disruptions in supply chains, and reduced capacity to meet the country’s national defence and critical infrastructure needs.

The tariffs affect not only raw timber but also key products such as kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. The proclamation asserts that these products are crucial in constructing military infrastructure, such as missile-defence systems and housing for military personnel, as well as other national defence operations.

Impact on Major Suppliers

Canada, the largest supplier of softwood lumber to the US, is expected to bear the brunt of these new duties. Canadian producers already face combined anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs of approximately 35%, adding to a longstanding trade dispute over timber harvested from Canadian public lands. In response, Canada has pledged up to C$1.2 billion (approx. $870 million) in aid to support its softwood lumber producers dealing with the higher tariffs.

Other countries such as Vietnam and Mexico, which have grown their furniture exports to the US, are also affected. These countries are now facing an additional tariff burden, especially after Trump imposed up to 55% tariffs on Chinese furniture in 2018. The new tariffs could push duties on wooden furniture products, including cabinets and vanities, to nearly 55%, further disrupting the market.

Exceptions and Exemptions for Some Countries

While the new tariffs are harsh, Trump’s proclamation offers relief to certain countries with whom the US has struck trade deals. Wood products from Britain will face a capped tariff rate of 10%, while those from the European Union and Japan will be capped at 15%. These reduced rates align with the tariff rates agreed upon in their respective framework agreements.

However, Trump’s trade deal with Vietnam, which was meant to reduce tariff rates to 20%, is still not officially documented, creating some uncertainty in the market.

Read More: Trump Announces 100% Tariff on Drugs, Imposes Duties on Trucks, Furniture!

Conclusion

The new tariffs announced by President Trump on timber, lumber, and furniture products are a continuation of his broader strategy to bolster the US economy and national security. While they will likely have significant consequences for key trading partners like Canada, Vietnam, and Mexico, some countries may benefit from lower tariffs due to existing trade agreements. 

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