Major price hikes coming for household goods
President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs set to take effect October 1, 2025, targeting a wide range of consumer goods. Among the most impactful: a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture. These measures are expected to further raise household product prices, which have already surged over the past year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, furniture prices rose 4.7% year-over-year in August 2025. Living and dining room furniture saw a sharper 9.5% increase. The latest tariffs come on top of previous levies on imports from China and Vietnam — two countries responsible for $12 billion in U.S. furniture imports annually.
Trump stated the new tariffs are a response to “flooding” of the U.S. market by foreign suppliers and emphasized the need to restore domestic manufacturing capabilities. He framed the move as a national security issue, calling it necessary to “protect our Manufacturing process.”
The announcement triggered immediate after-hours stock declines in several retail and home furnishing giants, including Wayfair, RH, and Williams-Sonoma.
Heavy truck industry faces dramatic changes
Trump also declared a 25% tariff on all imported heavy trucks, aimed at shielding U.S. manufacturers from foreign competition. The White House emphasized that American truck makers like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks will benefit from the move.
The tariff is set to disrupt existing supply chains, especially those involving Mexico. Nearly 78% of imported heavy-duty trucks entering the U.S. come from Mexico, many assembled by international brands like Daimler Truck. These trucks previously qualified for tariff exemptions under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, provided that two-thirds of parts were sourced within North America.
However, it’s still unclear if the new 25% tariff will override existing trade agreements. If no exemption is granted for Mexico, the country stands to be the most affected by the policy shift, according to analysts from Capital Economics.
Tariffs aimed at restoring U.S. manufacturing edge
Trump’s tariffs extend beyond household goods and trucks. He has also hinted at future levies on lumber, semiconductors, and other key goods, part of a broader strategy to bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil. Earlier tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper raised material costs across the board, ironically making some U.S.-built products more expensive than foreign counterparts.
The announcement follows an ongoing Commerce Department investigation into whether imported trucks pose a national security risk. Trump reiterated that supporting the trucking industry is critical for both the economy and national defense, stating, “We need our Truckers to be financially healthy and strong.”
While the tariffs are intended to stimulate domestic production, their broader economic impact remains uncertain. With inflationary pressures already burdening American consumers, the latest wave of trade barriers could further complicate the cost of living for millions of households.
