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Several recently announced US import duties targeting imported cabinet units, vanities, wood products, and certain furnished seating have been implemented.

As per a executive order signed by Chief Executive Donald Trump last month, a 10% tariff on softwood lumber foreign shipments was activated starting Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Upcoming Changes

A 25% duty is also imposed on imported cabinet units and bathroom vanities – increasing to fifty percent on January 1st – while a twenty-five percent import tax on upholstered wooden furniture will increase to thirty percent, unless updated trade deals get finalized.

The President has referenced the necessity to protect US manufacturers and national security concerns for the move, but some in the industry are concerned the tariffs could raise housing costs and lead consumers postpone home renovations.

Defining Customs Duties

Customs duties are charges on foreign products commonly charged as a percentage of a product's price and are submitted to the federal administration by companies bringing in the items.

These firms may pass some or all of the additional expense on to their customers, which in this instance means everyday US citizens and further domestic companies.

Past Tariff Policies

The president's duty approaches have been a central element of his latest term in the White House.

Trump has previously imposed industry-focused taxes on steel, copper, aluminium, vehicles, and vehicle components.

Consequences for Northern Neighbor

The additional global 10% duties on wood materials means the material from the Canadian nation – the second largest producer worldwide and a significant domestic source – is now taxed at more than 45%.

There is presently a combined 35.16% US offsetting and anti-dumping tariffs applied on nearly all Canada-based manufacturers as part of a long-running disagreement over the commodity between the two countries.

Bilateral Pacts and Exemptions

Under current bilateral pacts with the US, tariffs on lumber items from the UK will not go beyond ten percent, while those from the European community and Japan will not exceed fifteen percent.

Administration Rationale

The executive branch states Trump's tariffs have been implemented "to protect against threats" to the America's national security and to "strengthen industrial production".

Sector Apprehensions

But the Homebuilders Association commented in a release in the end of September that the recent duties could escalate residential construction prices.

"These fresh duties will produce additional headwinds for an already challenged residential sector by further raising construction and renovation costs," stated head the group's leader.

Retailer Perspective

As per a consulting group managing director and senior retail analyst the expert, merchants will have few alternatives but to raise prices on overseas items.

During an interview with a news outlet last month, she noted sellers would try not to hike rates too much prior to the year-end shopping, but "they cannot withstand thirty percent tariffs on top of other tariffs that are currently active".

"They'll have to shift costs, probably in the form of a two-figure rate rise," she remarked.

Retail Leader Statement

Recently Scandinavian home furnishings leader the company stated the tariffs on furniture imports cause doing business "harder".

"The levies are affecting our business similarly to additional firms, and we are attentively observing the developing circumstances," the company said.