The U.S. Commerce Department released a notice that they are implementing a 10% tariff on all timber and lumber imports and an additional 25% tariff on kitchen cabinets and furniture. They announced that imports of these materials and products pose a national security risk. The tariffs go into effect on Oct. 14. The tariffs on furniture products are expected to rise to 30% on Jan. 1, 2026. The kitchen cabinet levies are scheduled to double to 50% on the same date.
Lumber
America does not produce enough soft lumber to meet building demand. As a result, the U.S imports nearly one-third of all lumber. 85% of these imports come from Canada. With this new implementation, the current tariffs on Canadian lumber will increase to a total of 45%.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) urged, “NAHB believes that imposing new lumber tariffs that make housing more expensive is not the answer. We are urging the administration to continue its efforts to increase the supply of timber from public lands in an environmentally responsible manner, and to quickly enter into negotiations with Canada and other global trading partners to resolve ongoing trade issues in a fair and equitable manner that eliminates tariffs on lumber and other building materials.”
Kitchen Cabinets
Not all industry professionals are pessimistic about the notice. The American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance sent a letter to the President welcoming the move and urging for even stronger tariffs. “Today, imported cabinets are being sold at upwards of 70% below the domestic price, making it impossible for our cabinet companies to fairly compete,” they wrote in the letter. “The American cabinet industry has been suffering for too long, and we need a strong tariff rate to be imposed immediately. About 95% of American cabinet companies are family-owned, serving as an economic lifeline to small communities across the country.” The letter is signed by 15 CEOs, owners and presidents of major cabinet companies nationwide.
[…] in the summer months then softens in winter. While the swings are not volatile, additional news of impending tariffs lends concern to the future. While the prices of lumber is relatively stable, closely matching how […]
[…] also a victim of inflation, not just tariffs, particularly for cabinetry and premium hardwoods. The tariffs imposed by the The U.S. Commerce Department go into effect on Oct. […]