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A series of new US levies targeting imported kitchen cabinets, vanities, timber, and specific furnished seating have come into force.

Following a presidential directive signed by Chief Executive Donald Trump last month, a 10% tariff on softwood lumber foreign shipments took effect starting Tuesday.

Import Duty Percentages and Future Increases

A twenty-five percent tariff is likewise enforced on foreign-made kitchen cabinets and vanities – rising to 50% on the first of January – while a twenty-five percent import tax on wooden seating with fabric will increase to 30%, except if new trade agreements are reached.

Trump has pointed to the need to shield domestic industries and national security concerns for the move, but some in the industry are concerned the tariffs could elevate residential prices and lead customers put off home renovations.

Defining Import Taxes

Customs duties are taxes on imported goods typically imposed as a share of a product's cost and are remitted to the US government by firms bringing in the items.

These firms may shift part or the whole of the additional expense on to their customers, which in this case means typical American consumers and additional American firms.

Past Tariff Policies

The leader's tariff policies have been a central element of his latest term in the presidency.

The president has previously imposed industry-focused duties on steel, metallic element, light metal, vehicles, and auto parts.

Impact on Northern Neighbor

The additional international ten percent duties on wood materials means the material from the Canadian nation – the major international source globally and a significant US supplier – is now dutied at more than 45%.

There is presently a combined 35.16% US offsetting and anti-dumping duties placed on most northern industry players as part of a long-running conflict over the product between the neighboring nations.

Bilateral Pacts and Exemptions

In accordance with active commercial agreements with the US, duties on wood products from the UK will not go beyond ten percent, while those from the European community and Japanese nation will not exceed 15%.

Official Explanation

The White House says the president's tariffs have been implemented "to defend from threats" to the United States' national security and to "enhance factory output".

Industry Concerns

But the Homebuilders Association said in a announcement in the end of September that the new levies could increase homebuilding expenses.

"These new tariffs will generate additional headwinds for an currently struggling residential sector by even more elevating construction and renovation costs," stated head Buddy Hughes.

Merchant Perspective

Based on Telsey Advisory Group top official and market analyst the analyst, retailers will have no choice but to increase costs on imported goods.

During an interview with a broadcasting network recently, she said retailers would try not to increase costs excessively before the festive period, but "they cannot withstand 30% taxes on in addition to previous levies that are presently enforced".

"They'll have to transfer expenses, probably in the shape of a significant rate rise," she remarked.

Ikea Reaction

In the previous month Scandinavian home furnishings leader the retailer said the duties on furniture imports render conducting commerce "harder".

"These duties are affecting our company similarly to additional firms, and we are carefully watching the developing circumstances," the enterprise stated.