Former US President Donald Trump has unveiled another round of tariffs targeting multiple industries. The biggest move is a 100% tariff on branded drug imports, unless companies set up manufacturing plants in the United States.
Alongside this, Trump announced a 25% tariff on heavy-duty truck imports, a 50% tariff on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture starting next week. He said these measures are designed to protect American industries from being flooded with foreign products.
Protecting US manufacturers
Trump highlighted that the new tariff on heavy trucks will shield companies like Peterbilt and Mack Trucks from what he called “unfair outside competition”. The cabinet and furniture tariffs, he added, are meant to help local manufacturers struggling against high levels of imports.
According to Trump, these duties are a continuation of his broader trade strategy, which he claims will boost jobs and strengthen US manufacturing.
Pushback from business groups
However, many US businesses and trade organizations have voiced concerns. The US Chamber of Commerce has argued that the truck industry relies heavily on imported parts from countries such as Mexico, Canada, Germany, Finland and Japan – all of which are US allies.
The chamber said it is “impractical” to expect all parts to be sourced domestically, warning that the new tariffs will increase costs across the industry and ultimately for consumers.
Experts warn of rising prices
Trade experts believe new duties may give domestic producers some protection but will also lead to higher consumer prices. Deborah Elms, a trade specialist at the Hinrich Foundation, said these tariffs cover more products at higher rates than Trump’s earlier policies and could be seen as a back-up plan to generate revenue while broader tariff measures face legal challenges.
The expansion of Trump’s tariff policy marks one of the largest industry-specific trade actions yet, and its long-term impact on both manufacturers and consumers remains to be seen.
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