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Economy

Trump’s New Tariffs: How Drug, Truck, and Furniture Costs Could Skyrocket Next Week

Trump announced tariffs on drugs, trucks, and furniture, using Section 232, causing economic uncertainty.

byEditorial Staff

September 26, 2025, 5:18 PM

Executive Summary

President Trump announced new tariffs on drugs, heavy trucks, and furniture, set to commence next Wednesday.

The new tariffs are implemented using President Trump’s authority under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act.

These import taxes are expected to introduce economic uncertainty and potentially increase costs for consumers and transportation, adding pressure to an economy already facing elevated inflation.

The Story So Far

President Donald Trump is implementing new tariffs on specific goods like drugs, heavy trucks, and furniture by leveraging his authority under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. This move represents a strategic shift towards utilizing more established legal frameworks for trade actions, contrasting with some of his earlier, broader tariffs that are currently facing Supreme Court scrutiny, and reflects an ongoing protectionist trade policy aimed at promoting domestic production.

Why This Matters

The new tariffs announced by President Trump on drugs, trucks, and furniture are set to increase costs for consumers across various sectors, from medicines to home goods and transportation, further exacerbating existing inflation concerns. This move also injects greater uncertainty into the U.S. economy, while signaling a continued reliance on Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act for implementing trade policy, potentially leading to further tariffs in other industries currently under investigation.

Who Thinks What?

President Trump’s administration announced new tariffs on drugs, heavy trucks, and furniture, leveraging Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act as part of a strategy to utilize established legal authorities for trade actions.

The Associated Press, Reuters, and The New York Times highlighted that these new import taxes introduce economic uncertainty, could lead to increased costs for consumers and transportation, and add pressure to an economy already navigating elevated inflation, noting that many specific details remain unclear.

President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on drugs, heavy trucks, and furniture, set to commence next Wednesday, utilizing his authority under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act. This move introduces “another dose of uncertainty for the U.S. economy,” according to The Associated Press, particularly amidst concerns regarding the job market outlook and persistent inflation.

Tariff Details and Legal Framework

The announced tariffs include a 100% import tax on certain “branded or patented” drugs, though drugmakers who have already initiated construction on new U.S. manufacturing plants will be exempt. Additionally, a 25% tariff will be imposed on semi-trucks, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 50% on kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.

President Trump stated he is leveraging his authority under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act for these new measures. Reuters noted that this increasing reliance on Section 232 is perceived as part of the Trump administration’s strategy to employ more established legal authorities for its tariff actions.

This approach stands in contrast to some of President Trump’s earlier “sweeping global tariffs,” which were implemented under different emergency powers and are currently facing scrutiny before the Supreme Court.

Economic Implications and Market Uncertainty

The Associated Press highlighted that these new import taxes contribute to economic uncertainty, with homebuilders and homeowners potentially facing increased costs from the cabinetry tax. The prospect of some medicine prices doubling could also significantly impact voters and consumers.

Reuters further indicated that higher tariffs on commercial trucks could escalate transportation expenses, subsequently affecting prices across a broad array of consumer goods. These potential cost increases add pressure to an economy already navigating elevated inflation.

Unclear Details and Future Actions

The New York Times reported that many details surrounding President Trump’s announcements, which were made on social media, remain unclear. This includes how existing trade deals or the generic status of drugs might influence the applicability of the new tariffs.

Moreover, the Trump administration has initiated new Section 232 investigations into imported robotics, industrial machinery, and medical devices this week. These ongoing investigations suggest that further tariffs could be considered in additional sectors.

Outlook on Trade Policy

These latest tariff announcements by President Trump underscore an ongoing shift in trade policy, leveraging specific legal frameworks to implement new import taxes. The economic implications, ranging from consumer prices to market stability, are a focal point for analysts as the full details continue to emerge and the measures take effect.