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A series of fresh American import duties targeting imported cabinet units, vanities, timber, and specific upholstered furniture have been implemented.

As per a executive order signed by President Donald Trump recently, a ten percent tariff on soft timber foreign shipments took effect this Tuesday.

Tariff Rates and Future Increases

A 25% levy is likewise enforced on imported kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities – increasing to fifty percent on the first of January – while a 25% import tax on wooden seating with fabric is set to rise to 30%, unless updated trade deals are reached.

Donald Trump has cited the imperative to protect US manufacturers and national security concerns for the action, but various industry players worry the tariffs could increase housing costs and lead consumers delay residential upgrades.

Defining Import Taxes

Import taxes are charges on foreign products commonly applied as a percentage of a product's price and are paid to the federal administration by firms importing the products.

These companies may pass some or all of the additional expense on to their customers, which in this scenario means ordinary Americans and other US businesses.

Previous Tariff Policies

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

The president has earlier enacted targeted tariffs on steel, copper, aluminium, vehicles, and auto parts.

Consequences for Canadian Producers

The extra worldwide 10% levies on soft timber implies the material from the Canadian nation – the second largest producer worldwide and a major American provider – is now taxed at more than 45%.

There is currently a total 35.16% US countervailing and anti-dumping tariffs applied on nearly all Canadian producers as part of a years-old conflict over the product between the both nations.

Commercial Agreements and Exemptions

Under active commercial agreements with the US, tariffs on lumber items from the United Kingdom will not exceed ten percent, while those from the European Union and Japan will not exceed 15%.

Administration Justification

The White House says Trump's tariffs have been put in place "to defend from threats" to the US's domestic security and to "enhance industrial production".

Industry Concerns

But the Residential Construction Group commented in a announcement in last month that the fresh tariffs could increase housing costs.

"These new tariffs will generate extra challenges for an currently struggling residential sector by additionally increasing development and upgrade charges," said chairman the association's chairman.

Seller Perspective

As per an advisory firm managing director and senior retail analyst Cristina Fernández, retailers will have no choice but to increase costs on foreign products.

Speaking to a broadcasting network in the previous month, she stated retailers would try not to raise prices excessively before the year-end shopping, but "they can't absorb thirty percent duties on alongside previous levies that are currently active".

"They will need to pass through expenses, probably in the guise of a significant price increase," she remarked.

Ikea Reaction

Recently Scandinavian retail major the retailer commented the duties on furniture imports render conducting commerce "tougher".

"The tariffs are affecting our company like additional firms, and we are attentively observing the changing scenario," the enterprise said.