USA –   U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imported wood and furniture products, citing national security concerns and the need to protect domestic industries.

The measures include a 10% tariff on imported lumber and timber and a 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered wooden furniture, effective October 14, 2025. According to Trump’s proclamation, tariffs on January 1, 2026, will rise to 50% on cabinets and vanities and 30% on upholstered furniture for countries without agreements with the U.S.

Trump invoked Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1962, arguing that wood imports weaken the U.S. economy, threaten mill closures, and undermine the domestic wood supply chain. He said the tariffs aim to strengthen supply chains, create jobs, and increase U.S. capacity utilization.

The decision follows a Commerce Department investigation ordered earlier this year into the security risks of imported lumber, particularly from Canada, which supplies about 30% of U.S. softwood lumber. Canadian imports already face duties of 14.5%.

Industry experts, however, warn the tariffs could push up construction and housing costs, as U.S. production capacity is insufficient to meet demand. Furniture prices have already risen 4.7% over the past year, with living and dining room furniture up 9.5%, according to government data.

Trump defended the move, saying foreign manufacturers are “flooding” the U.S. market and hurting American producers, particularly in North Carolina’s furniture industry. Despite concerns from economists and homebuilders, Trump said the tariffs are necessary “to protect national security and restore U.S. manufacturing strength.”