New Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals, Furniture, Cabinets, and Heavy Trucks Effective October 1 

President Trump has announced another round of tariffs set to take effect on October 1, 2025. These duties, imposed under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, are being justified on national security grounds and will touch a wide range of consumer and industrial sectors. Importers should prepare now for the potential operational and financial impact. 

Pharmaceuticals – 100% Tariffs, With Exceptions 

The most striking measure is a 100% tariff on branded or patented pharmaceuticals. Companies that can demonstrate they are actively building U.S. manufacturing facilities may be exempt, with “IS BUILDING” defined as having broken ground or started construction. The fine print has yet to be issued, leaving open questions on how exemptions will be applied. 

While some trade agreements, such as those with the European Union and Japan, may limit tariff rates on pharmaceuticals to 15%, importers from other regions face steep increases. Drugmakers may also attempt to manage exposure through valuation strategies, which could attract close scrutiny from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Kitchen Cabinets and Bathroom Vanities – 50% Tariffs 

Imports of kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products will be hit with a 50% duty. The Administration has justified the action by pointing to an influx of low-priced imports, which it claims undermines U.S. manufacturers.  

This policy will raise the landed cost of these goods significantly, adding new strain to the construction and home remodeling industries at a time when material costs are already elevated. Importers should re-evaluate supply chains, sourcing strategies, and potential country-of-origin advantages under existing trade agreements. 

Upholstered Furniture – 30% Tariffs 

Upholstered furniture imports are now subject to a 30% tariff. The administration cites unfair trade practices and a “flood” of imported goods as justification, while others claim that national security is a weak rationale for furniture tariffs, suggesting that anti-dumping or countervailing duties would have been more appropriate. 

If the tariff is linked to the broader timber and lumber Section 232 action, some U.S. trade partners may be partially shielded by their agreements with Washington. For others, higher costs are expected to flow directly into retail pricing, potentially reshaping sourcing decisions for major U.S. furniture retailers. 

Heavy Trucks – 25% Tariffs 

Heavy trucks and potentially certain parts will face a 25% tariff. This move mirrors earlier auto-related tariffs but without the 15% cap applied in some trade deals. The Commerce Department’s investigation found that imports of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, many sourced from Mexico and Europe, had grown dominant, raising concerns about the resilience of U.S. manufacturers. 

While some domestic truck producers may benefit over time from reduced foreign competition, downstream impacts may include higher costs for logistics firms, fleet operators, and industries dependent on heavy transport. 

What’s Next?  

For the above tariff increases we will continue to monitor the situation as we await publications of specifics via Executive Order or in the Federal Register.  

Additionally, the US Commerce Department said Wednesday, 9-24, that it had opened new national security investigations into the import of personal protective equipment, medical items, robotics and industrial machinery, which could lead to new tariffs as soon as early 2026.  

What Importers Should Do 

With less than a week before these tariffs take effect, importers should: 

• Review supply chains and identify exposure by product category and country of origin. 

• Assess contracts and pricing models to account for sudden cost increases. 

• Engage suppliers to confirm potential eligibility for exemptions, especially in pharmaceuticals. 

• Stay alert for official implementation details, which are likely to be published through Federal Register notices and CBP Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) updates in the coming days. 

At Allyn International, we are committed to supporting the global trade community with strategic, forward-thinking solutions to help navigate today’s complex tariff landscape. Whether you have questions about tariffs, trade agreements, or would like to explore strategies to reduce their impact on your business operations, our team is here to help. Contact us today for a consultation at sales@allynintl.com.   

Contributor: Matthew Dreckman & Becky Anderson

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About Allyn International

Allyn International provides high quality, customer centric services and solutions for the global marketplace. Allyn's core products include transportation management, logistics sourcing, freight forwarding, supply chain consulting, tax management and global trade compliance. Allyn clients range from small local businesses to Fortune 500 firms. Allyn conducts business in more than 20 languages and has extensive experience in both developed and emerging markets. Highly trained experts are positioned throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Allyn’s regional headquarters are strategically located in Fort Myers, Florida, U.S.A., Shanghai, P.R. China, Prague, Czech Republic, and Dubai, U.A.E. For more information, visit www.allynintl.com.