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Multiple new US import duties targeting imported cabinet units, bathroom vanities, lumber, and certain furnished seating have come into force.

Under a proclamation authorized by Chief Executive Donald Trump in the previous month, a ten percent import tax on softwood lumber imports took effect this Tuesday.

Tariff Rates and Upcoming Changes

A 25% tariff will also apply on imported kitchen cabinets and vanities – rising to 50% on January 1st – while a twenty-five percent import tax on wooden seating with fabric is scheduled to grow to 30%, unless fresh commercial pacts get agreed upon.

Trump has referenced the necessity to shield US manufacturers and security considerations for the move, but various industry players worry the taxes could raise housing costs and make homeowners put off residential upgrades.

Defining Tariffs

Customs duties are taxes on foreign products typically applied as a share of a product's cost and are remitted to the American authorities by firms bringing in the goods.

These enterprises may transfer a portion or the entirety of the increased charge on to their customers, which in this instance means everyday US citizens and further domestic companies.

Past Import Tax Strategies

The president's tariff policies have been a key feature of his latest term in the presidency.

Trump has previously imposed industry-focused tariffs on steel, copper, light metal, automobiles, and car pieces.

Effect on Northern Neighbor

The supplementary international ten percent levies on wood materials implies the product from the northern neighbor – the number two global supplier internationally and a key American provider – is now tariffed at above 45 percent.

There is already a aggregate 35.16% American offsetting and anti-dumping tariffs applied on nearly all Canadian producers as part of a decades-long dispute over the commodity between the both nations.

Trade Deals and Limitations

Under current commercial agreements with the United States, duties on lumber items from the Britain will not go beyond ten percent, while those from the EU bloc and Japanese nation will not exceed fifteen percent.

White House Explanation

The White House claims the president's tariffs have been implemented "to defend from threats" to the America's national security and to "enhance industrial production".

Sector Concerns

But the National Association of Homebuilders commented in a announcement in late September that the recent duties could increase housing costs.

"These recent levies will generate further headwinds for an presently strained residential sector by further raising construction and renovation costs," said head the group's leader.

Seller Perspective

Based on an advisory firm top official and retail expert the analyst, stores will have no choice but to increase costs on foreign products.

Speaking to a media partner recently, she said stores would attempt not to hike rates excessively prior to the year-end shopping, but "they can't absorb 30% taxes on in addition to existing duties that are currently active".

"They must shift costs, likely in the form of a two-figure cost hike," she continued.

Ikea Reaction

Last month Scandinavian furniture giant the retailer commented the tariffs on overseas home goods render operating "harder".

"These duties are impacting our company in the same way as additional firms, and we are closely monitoring the evolving situation," the enterprise said.