Source: Supply Chain Dive
Date: 26th September 2025

Sector-specific duties of up to 100% to take effect October 1 under Section 232 framework.

The U.S. administration has announced new tariffs targeting multiple industries, set to take effect on October 1.

Branded and patented pharmaceutical products will face a 100% tariff, heavy trucks a 25% tariff, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry a 50% tariff, and upholstered furniture a 30% tariff.

These measures follow earlier indications that duties would be introduced across these sectors as part of a broader trade strategy.

The Commerce Department previously initiated Section 232 investigations into the pharmaceutical and trucking sectors, with additional probes into furniture imports launched earlier this year.

Section 232 reviews assess national security risks tied to imported goods, and the administration has cited security concerns as justification for the new duties. Past Section 232 actions have included tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, and auto parts, while other sectors, such as semiconductors and medical equipment, remain under active review.

The announcement expands the scope of U.S. trade protection, reflecting the administration’s continued use of tariffs as a policy tool. It also raises questions over how these new measures may interact with existing tariff deals and framework agreements with partners such as the European Union and Japan.

While further adjustments remain possible, the latest move signals a sharper turn toward sector-specific protectionism, with industries facing higher costs and potential supply chain disruptions as a result.

For U.S. importers and consumers, the new duties could result in higher prices and tighter supply in key sectors.

Pharmaceutical tariffs may increase healthcare costs, while additional charges on trucks, cabinetry, and furniture are likely to impact manufacturers, retailers, and households. Companies may seek alternative sourcing strategies or pass costs down the supply chain, but the higher tariff levels create uncertainty and risk for businesses and consumers alike.