On September 29, President Trump issued a proclamation announcing new Section 232 tariffs on lumber, kitchen cabinets and vanities, and other wood products. These tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 14.
According to the proclamation, the following duties will apply:
- 10% global tariff on imports of softwood lumber.
- 25% global tariff on certain upholstered furniture, set to increase to 30% on January 1.
- 25% global tariff on kitchen cabinets and vanities, set to increase to 50% on January 1.
The administration also confirmed that certain US trading partners will receive preferential treatment. Specifically:
- Imports from the United Kingdom will face tariffs capped at 10%.
- Imports from the European Union and Japan will face a combined Section 232 and most-favored nation tariff not exceeding 15%.
Products not covered by these Section 232 tariffs may still be subject to reciprocal tariffs, and items on the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners (PTAAP) list remain unaffected unless antidumping or countervailing duties apply.
The White House noted that trading partners who negotiate with the US on the issue of wood imports and their impact on national security may be able to secure alternative arrangements to avoid or lessen the tariff increases.
An annex to the proclamation outlines the specific tariff subheadings affected. For complete details, we encourage you to review the official proclamation.
Mohawk Global Trade Advisors can help you stay ahead of these developments—whether that means managing risk, adapting your sourcing strategies, or ensuring compliance. Reach out today to speak with an expert.