Trump Raises Tariffs on Heavy Trucks, Pharma, and Cabinet Imports/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on heavy trucks, pharmaceuticals, and kitchen cabinets, set to take effect Oct. 1. The move follows Section 232 investigations into national security risks tied to these imports. The administration signals further trade crackdowns as Trump intensifies his protectionist agenda.
Quick Takeaways
- Tariffs Effective Oct. 1:
- Heavy trucks: 25% tariff.
- Kitchen cabinets & vanities: 50% tariff.
- Upholstered furniture: 30% tariff.
- Pharmaceuticals: Up to 100%, unless production is underway in the U.S.
- National Security Justification: All measures stem from Section 232 investigations by the Commerce Department.
- Trump’s Wording: Exemptions apply to pharma products if “breaking ground” or “under construction” in the U.S.
- Past Tariffs: Builds on earlier hikes on steel, aluminum, autos, and copper.
- Legal Challenges: Separate tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) are set for Supreme Court review in November.
- Commerce Department Role: Trump ordered probes in March and April into lumber, heavy trucks, and pharmaceuticals.
Deep Look: Trump Expands Tariff Campaign Across Key Industries
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the U.S. will impose sweeping new tariffs on heavy trucks, pharmaceuticals, and furniture-related imports beginning October 1, signaling another escalation in his administration’s aggressive protectionist trade policy.
In a series of Truth Social posts, Trump detailed the measures:
- 25% tariff on heavy trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
- 50% tariff on imports related to kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.
- 30% tariff on upholstered furniture.
- Up to 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products, with exemptions for companies already investing in U.S.-based facilities.
Trump emphasized that drugmakers could avoid tariffs if their manufacturing plants are either “breaking ground” or “under construction” in the United States.
Section 232 Authority in Action
The new tariffs follow Section 232 investigations under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the president to impose trade restrictions if imports are deemed a threat to national security.
- In March 2025, Trump directed the Commerce Department to open a probe into lumber imports.
- In April, he ordered additional reviews into heavy trucks and pharmaceuticals.
By targeting these sectors, the administration signals that it is nearing the conclusion of these investigations and moving toward decisive trade actions.
Continuation of a Broader Tariff Strategy
Trump has already leveraged Section 232 to place tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and copper, arguing the measures are necessary to protect U.S. jobs and industrial capacity.
The latest round broadens his tariff campaign beyond traditional heavy industries, reaching into consumer goods and health care. This shift highlights the administration’s willingness to apply protectionist tools across a wider swath of the economy.
Legal Battles Looming
These tariffs are separate from those imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA), which Trump has used to target specific countries. Those measures are now being challenged in court and are expected to reach the Supreme Court in November.
The outcome could determine how much latitude presidents retain to unilaterally impose tariffs under emergency powers.
Implications for Business and Consumers
The tariffs are likely to:
- Raise costs for U.S. companies reliant on foreign inputs, especially in construction and health care.
- Increase consumer prices on common goods such as furniture, cabinets, and pharmaceutical products.
- Pressure multinational firms to shift supply chains and invest in U.S. production to avoid penalties.
Supporters argue the tariffs will strengthen domestic industry, while critics warn they could fuel inflation and strain global trade relations.
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