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Tariffs on Lumber and Furniture Take Effect With Bigger Hikes Set for 2026

Early analyses forecast higher housing and retail prices, with Canada facing roughly 45% duties on softwood lumber.

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A worker sorts lumber at the Gorman Brothers Lumber sawmill, in West Kelowna, B.C., on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Furniture prices in the United States have been rising at the fastest pace since the Covid-19 pandemic. Furniture executives caution that tariffs could amplify that trend.
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Overview

  • U.S. ports began collecting the new levies on Oct. 14: 10% on softwood lumber and 25% on certain upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets and vanities, with rates scheduled to rise to 30% and 50% on Jan. 1, 2026.
  • The White House invoked Section 232 after a Commerce finding that imported wood products are tied to national security uses by the Department of War.
  • Canada, the top U.S. lumber supplier, now faces combined import charges near 45% as the new 10% tariff stacks on existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties, prompting urgent calls for federal support from British Columbia leaders.
  • Economists and builders warn of higher construction and remodeling costs; Goldman Sachs estimates consumers will absorb about 55% of tariff costs this year and potentially 70% next year.
  • Tariff caps apply to key partners, with a 10% ceiling for the UK and 15% for the EU and Japan, while industry reaction is split between manufacturers seeking protection and import-reliant businesses warning of price hikes and supply disruption.