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Multiple fresh US tariffs targeting imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, lumber, and select upholstered furniture have been implemented.

Following a proclamation authorized by Chief Executive Donald Trump in the previous month, a ten percent import tax on softwood lumber imports took effect on Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Upcoming Changes

A 25% levy will also apply on foreign-made kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities – increasing to fifty percent on 1 January – while a 25% import tax on upholstered wooden furniture is set to rise to thirty percent, except if new trade agreements are reached.

The President has cited the imperative to protect domestic industries and defense interests for the move, but some in the industry are concerned the duties could elevate housing costs and lead homeowners postpone home renovations.

Understanding Customs Duties

Tariffs are levies on foreign products commonly charged as a portion of a product's price and are submitted to the federal administration by businesses shipping in the items.

These firms may pass some or all of the increased charge on to their clients, which in this instance means typical American consumers and additional American firms.

Past Tariff Policies

The leader's tariff policies have been a central element of his latest term in the presidency.

The president has earlier enacted sector-specific duties on steel, metallic element, aluminium, vehicles, and car pieces.

Impact on Canada

The supplementary worldwide ten percent tariffs on soft timber implies the product from the Canadian nation – the major international source globally and a key domestic source – is now taxed at above 45 percent.

There is presently a aggregate 35.16% US countervailing and trade remedy levies applied on nearly all Canadian producers as part of a years-old disagreement over the commodity between the neighboring nations.

Bilateral Pacts and Exemptions

Under existing trade deals with the US, levies on timber goods from the UK will not go beyond 10%, while those from the European Union and Japan will not surpass 15%.

Official Explanation

The White House says Trump's duties have been enacted "to defend from threats" to the US's domestic security and to "enhance factory output".

Business Apprehensions

But the National Association of Homebuilders commented in a statement in the end of September that the fresh tariffs could raise residential construction prices.

"These recent levies will generate further headwinds for an already challenged housing market by even more elevating construction and renovation costs," stated chairman the association's chairman.

Retailer Viewpoint

According to Telsey Advisory Group managing director and retail expert the analyst, retailers will have few alternatives but to increase costs on foreign products.

In comments to a broadcasting network in the previous month, she stated retailers would try not to raise prices excessively before the holiday season, but "they cannot withstand thirty percent tariffs on top of existing duties that are already in place".

"They'll have to shift expenses, likely in the shape of a double-digit price increase," she added.

Furniture Giant Response

Last month Scandinavian retail major the retailer said the levies on imported furnishings make conducting commerce "more difficult".

"These duties are affecting our company like fellow businesses, and we are attentively observing the evolving situation," the firm remarked.