Trump to Enforce New Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals, Trucks, and Furniture from October 1

Washington | September 26, 2025 United States President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a sweeping new round of tariffs that will come into effect from October 1, targeting imports of pharmaceuticals, heavy-duty trucks, and home furnishings. The move marks one of the most aggressive trade measures of his second term, sparking concerns over its impact on global commerce and cross-border supply chains. Announcing the measures on Truth Social, Trump declared that the US would impose a 100% duty on all imported branded or patented pharmaceutical products, unless the manufacturer is already constructing a facility in the United States. He emphasized that the objective is to push global drug makers to shift production into the country rather than relying on overseas manufacturing hubs. “Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% tariff on any branded or patented pharmaceutical product, unless a company is building its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in America,” Trump stated. According to him, the decision ensures that future medical supplies are less dependent on foreign producers, particularly amid growing concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities. In addition to drug imports, Trump confirmed that 25% tariffs will be placed on heavy-duty trucks. The White House argued that the duties are meant to shield domestic truck manufacturers from what Trump called “unfair outside competition.” He specifically mentioned companies like Peterbilt and Kenworth, owned by Paccar, as well as Daimler Truck’s Freightliner, as likely beneficiaries of the protectionist step. The tariff list also extends to consumer products, with 50% duties on imported kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities set to begin next month. Furthermore, upholstered furniture will be hit with a 30% levy the following week. Trump argued that the furniture-related tariffs were necessary due to what he described as “flooding” of low-cost imports that were damaging American small- and medium-scale manufacturers. “The reason for this is the large-scale flooding of these products into the United States by outside countries,” he wrote on Truth Social, asserting that the new duties would restore balance for domestic businesses. The announcement comes against the backdrop of Trump’s broader economic agenda, which has increasingly relied on tariffs and national security investigations into imports. Over the past year, he has launched multiple probes into different industries, leaving multinational corporations uncertain about future trade policy and complicating investment decisions. Industry groups, however, have raised strong objections. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) warned earlier this year that higher drug tariffs could raise costs for consumers while undermining cooperation with key allies. PhRMA noted that 53% of the $85.6 billion worth of medicine ingredients used in the United States are already produced domestically, with the rest sourced largely from Europe and other allied nations. Similarly, the US Chamber of Commerce urged the administration to reconsider tariffs on trucks. It stressed that top import sources—Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Finland—are either close allies or long-standing partners of Washington and “pose no threat to US national security.” Despite these objections, the Trump administration appears determined to move forward with its October 1 deadline. The decision is expected to intensify debates over the balance between protecting domestic industries and maintaining strong global trade relations, particularly with allies who have been caught in the crossfire of America’s evolving tariff strategy Trump’s New Tariff Wave from October 1 Starting October 1, President Donald Trump will enforce steep tariffs on several imports, reshaping trade flows and sparking global concern. The measures include a 100% tariff on branded pharmaceutical products unless companies build plants in the US, a 25% tariff on heavy-duty trucks, and up to 50% duties on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. Upholstered furniture will face a 30% tariff the following week. Trump argues the move protects American manufacturers from foreign “flooding” of products, but industry groups warn of higher costs, strained ties with allies, and uncertainty for businesses navigating global supply chains.