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Multiple new American levies targeting foreign-sourced kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, timber, and select upholstered furniture have come into force.

Under a proclamation enacted by Chief Executive Donald Trump recently, a ten percent import tax on soft timber imports was activated this Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Upcoming Changes

A 25% duty will also apply on foreign-made cabinet units and vanities – rising to fifty percent on January 1st – while a 25% import tax on upholstered wooden furniture is set to rise to thirty percent, except if updated trade deals get finalized.

Trump has referenced the need to safeguard domestic industries and security considerations for the action, but some in the industry worry the tariffs could increase residential prices and make customers put off home renovations.

Explaining Customs Duties

Tariffs are taxes on overseas merchandise typically imposed as a percentage of a item's value and are paid to the federal administration by businesses importing the products.

These enterprises may shift part or the whole of the increased charge on to their customers, which in this case means everyday US citizens and further domestic companies.

Past Tariff Policies

The leader's tariff policies have been a key feature of his latest term in the executive office.

Donald Trump has previously imposed targeted tariffs on steel, copper, aluminium, vehicles, and vehicle components.

Consequences for Northern Neighbor

The additional international 10% tariffs on softwood lumber implies the product from the Canadian nation – the second largest producer internationally and a major American provider – is now tariffed at more than 45%.

There is already a total thirty-five point sixteen percent US offsetting and anti-dumping duties applied on most northern industry players as part of a decades-long conflict over the item between the neighboring nations.

Trade Deals and Exemptions

Under current bilateral pacts with the US, levies on timber goods from the United Kingdom will not surpass ten percent, while those from the European Union and Japanese nation will not surpass fifteen percent.

White House Rationale

The executive branch claims Trump's tariffs have been put in place "to guard against threats" to the America's domestic security and to "bolster manufacturing".

Industry Worries

But the National Association of Homebuilders said in a statement in late September that the new levies could increase residential construction prices.

"These new tariffs will create extra headwinds for an already challenged residential sector by even more elevating building and remodeling expenses," said chairman the association's chairman.

Retailer Perspective

As per an advisory firm managing director and senior retail analyst Cristina Fernández, retailers will have little option but to increase costs on foreign products.

In comments to a broadcasting network last month, she said sellers would attempt not to raise prices excessively ahead of the year-end shopping, but "they cannot withstand thirty percent tariffs on top of previous levies that are already in place".

"They'll have to pass through costs, likely in the shape of a two-figure price increase," she continued.

Ikea Reaction

In the previous month Scandinavian furniture giant Ikea said the tariffs on overseas home goods render operating "harder".

"These duties are affecting our company like fellow businesses, and we are closely monitoring the changing scenario," the enterprise said.