US President Donald Trump continued his series of tariffs on Monday (local time), with the latest move impacting lumber and home renovation products from October 14.The White House said a 10% global tariff will be applied to softwood lumber imports. At the same time, upholstered furniture will face a 25% global tariff, rising to 30% on January 1, while kitchen cabinets and vanities will be hit hardest, with a 25% tariff climbing to 50% from the same time.Certain countries, including the United Kingdom, the European Union and Japan, will benefit from more favourable rates, reflecting the terms of their trade agreements with the US.The new tariffs have sparked criticism both inside and outside the United States, drawing complaints from small business owners and members of Congress. Legal challenges are ongoing, with the US Supreme Court set to hear arguments over the tariffs’ legality on November 5.In a fact sheet released alongside the announcement, the administration defended the measures as necessary for national security. It said, “Lumber plays a vital role in civilian construction and military infrastructure.” “Foreign supply chains and major exporters increasingly fill US demand, creating vulnerabilities to disruptions,” it further added, as cited by AFP.The fact sheet added that countries negotiating with the US “may be able to secure an alternative to the pending tariff increases.”
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