According to the decree Trump signed on 29/9/2025, these products were set to face increased tariffs from 1/1, with a 30% rate for upholstered items and 50% for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanity units. Consequently, after the postponement, the import tariffs applied to these products will remain at 25%.

"The US is continuing active negotiations with partners to address trade balance and national security issues related to wood product imports", stated the White House announcement. The communique did not provide further explanation for the tariff hike postponement.

President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, White House, on 19/9. *Photo: AP*

The Trump administration has faced increasing criticism for failing to control prices, partly due to tariffs imposed on various goods since he took office in early 2025. Even before the 25% tariff specifically on furniture took effect, prices had surged due to retaliatory tariffs on goods from China and Vietnam, the two largest sources of US imported furniture.

Trump, however, attributed inflation to the former President Joe Biden administration. In recent speeches, he reiterated that import tariffs could ultimately help reduce costs for American citizens.

In 9/2025, Trump raised import tariffs on logs, lumber, and wood products, citing national security and protection of the domestic wood industry. These tariffs followed an investigation by the US Department of Commerce into imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

Several months later, he repeatedly criticized Canada for exporting large quantities of wood to the US. He argued this posed national security risks, as the majority of US wood imports originate from its neighbor.

Ha Thu (according to CNN, Reuters)