🔗 Share this article New US Presidential Duties on Kitchen Cabinets, Timber, and Furniture Take Effect Several recently announced US tariffs targeting foreign-sourced cabinet units, vanities, wood products, and select furnished seating have come into force. As per a executive order signed by Chief Executive Donald Trump last month, a ten percent tariff on wood materials foreign shipments came into play starting Tuesday. Tariff Rates and Future Increases A 25% duty will also apply on foreign-made cabinet units and bathroom vanities – rising to 50% on January 1st – while a twenty-five percent tariff on upholstered wooden furniture is scheduled to grow to 30%, provided that no fresh commercial pacts get finalized. Trump has pointed to the need to shield US manufacturers and national security concerns for the move, but various industry players fear the taxes could elevate housing costs and make consumers delay residential upgrades. Defining Customs Duties Import taxes are levies on imported goods typically imposed as a portion of a good's value and are remitted to the US government by firms shipping in the goods. These firms may shift part or the whole of the extra cost on to their clients, which in this instance means typical American consumers and other US businesses. Previous Duty Approaches The leader's tariff policies have been a prominent aspect of his latest term in the presidency. The president has before implemented industry-focused tariffs on metal, copper, light metal, vehicles, and vehicle components. Consequences for Canadian Producers The additional global ten percent tariffs on soft timber means the commodity from the northern neighbor – the major international source internationally and a key domestic source – is now tariffed at above 45 percent. There is already a aggregate thirty-five point sixteen percent American countervailing and anti-dumping duties placed on most Canada-based manufacturers as part of a decades-long dispute over the item between the two countries. Trade Deals and Exemptions As part of active bilateral pacts with the United States, tariffs on wood products from the United Kingdom will not surpass ten percent, while those from the European Union and Japanese nation will not go above 15%. White House Justification The presidential administration states Donald Trump's import taxes have been implemented "to guard against dangers" to the US's national security and to "strengthen factory output". Sector Apprehensions But the Homebuilders Association stated in a statement in last month that the fresh tariffs could increase housing costs. "These recent levies will generate further obstacles for an already challenged housing market by further raising development and upgrade charges," stated leader the association's chairman. Merchant Outlook According to Telsey Advisory Group top official and retail expert Cristina Fernández, merchants will have little option but to raise prices on imported goods. In comments to a broadcasting network recently, she said retailers would attempt not to raise prices too much before the festive period, but "they can't absorb thirty percent duties on in addition to other tariffs that are currently active". "They will need to pass through costs, almost certainly in the shape of a two-figure cost hike," she remarked. Ikea Reaction Recently Scandinavian home furnishings leader Ikea commented the levies on overseas home goods make doing business "harder". "These duties are affecting our operations like additional firms, and we are closely monitoring the changing scenario," the firm remarked.