Trump’s Tariff Stick Strikes Again! This Time Targeting Pharmaceuticals, Trucks, and Furniture, Up to 100%

U.S. President Trump has announced new industry-specific tariffs targeting heavy-duty trucks, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, as well as upholstered furniture, expanding a trade agenda aimed at boosting domestic industries by raising import taxes.

In a post on Thursday, Trump announced that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on heavy-duty trucks starting October 1.

Trump wrote, "To protect our great heavy-duty truck manufacturers from unfair foreign competition, I will impose a 25% tariff on all 'heavy (big!) trucks' manufactured in other parts of the world, effective October 1, 2025."

In a subsequent social media post, he also announced a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, and a 100% tariff on pharmaceuticals from companies that have not started building factories in the United States. These tariffs are also scheduled to begin on October 1.

The White House and the Department of Commerce, which conducted trade investigations on these goods, have not released details about these proposals or how they will be implemented. These statements were made one week before the target implementation date set by Trump.

Investigations conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act allow the president to impose tariffs on goods deemed critical to national security. Trump has made extensive use of this authority, laying the groundwork for tariffs on numerous industries.

In April, the Trump administration, led by the Department of Commerce, launched an investigation into whether it was necessary to impose tariffs on imports of medium and heavy-duty trucks and their parts, claiming that a small number of foreign suppliers dominated U.S. imports due to subsidies and "predatory trade practices," according to a notice announcing the investigation.

The investigation covers trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds as well as parts and derivative vehicles, which are designed to transport goods across North America and are different from the lighter pickup trucks popular with consumers.

Supporters of the tariffs say they will help protect U.S. domestic manufacturing and the industrial base.

Nick Iacovella of the Coalition for a Prosperous America said, "President Trump's Section 232 tariffs on imported heavy-duty trucks are a huge victory for American workers and great American manufacturers like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack. This action will strengthen this vital industry and protect it from unfair foreign competition."