Overview

• President Donald Trump signed a proclamation invoking Section 232 to levy a 10% global tariff on softwood lumber, citing national-security findings from the Commerce Department.
• The order sets a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture and on kitchen cabinets and vanities, with increases scheduled to 30% and 50% respectively on January 1, 2026.
• The United Kingdom will face no more than a 10% tariff on covered wood imports, while combined duties on qualifying imports from the European Union and Japan will be capped at 15%.
• The White House says wood imports threaten U.S. defense and infrastructure supply chains, while critics warn higher duties could push up housing and furnishing prices.
• The tariffs take effect October 14, and the U.S. Supreme Court is slated to hear arguments on the legality of the administration’s global duties on November 5.