WASHINGTON – President Donald J. Trump today announced a new wave of tariffs on imported lumber, furniture, and kitchen cabinets, invoking national security powers to protect and bolster the American wood products industry. The move, detailed in a White House fact sheet, is the latest application of the administration's "America First" trade policy aimed at countering foreign trade practices and reducing U.S. reliance on international supply chains.
The action was taken under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, following a Department of Commerce investigation which concluded that the current volume of wood product imports threatens to impair U.S. national security.
Breaking Down the New Tariffs
The proclamation establishes several new global tariffs on key wood products, with some set to increase at the beginning of next year:
- Softwood Lumber: A 10% global tariff.
- Upholstered Furniture: A 25% global tariff, which will increase to 30% on January 1.
- Kitchen Cabinets and Vanities: A 25% global tariff, which will increase to 50% on January 1.
The administration has indicated that trading partners may be able to negotiate alternatives to these tariffs. Key allies will receive more favorable treatment, with the tariff on wood imports from the United Kingdom not to exceed 10%, and the combined tariff on imports from the European Union and Japan not to exceed 15%.
The National Security Rationale
According to the White House, the tariffs are necessary to ensure the U.S. possesses the domestic manufacturing capabilities to support national defense and critical infrastructure.
The fact sheet states that an overreliance on foreign timber could jeopardize the nation's defense capabilities and construction industry. The U.S. military, which spends over $10 billion annually on construction, is noted as a key consumer and is actively testing innovative wood products like cross-laminated timber.
The administration points out that the United States has been a net importer of lumber since 2016, despite having the capacity to supply 95% of its domestic consumption. The White House attributes this reliance to foreign government subsidies and predatory trade practices that undermine the competitiveness of the U.S. industry. By imposing these tariffs, the administration aims to counter these practices and incentivize the growth of domestic wood production.
Continuing the "America First" Trade Policy
This action is consistent with previous measures taken by the Trump administration to secure critical industries. The White House positioned the move as a continuation of its use of Section 232 tariffs to protect national security, citing earlier tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and autos.
The Department of Commerce is currently conducting additional Section 232 investigations into other sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, commercial aircraft, and robotics, signaling that more trade actions could be forthcoming.
30 Sep, 2025
