The new taxes, which will take effect on October 1, include a 100% tariff on brand-name or patented pharmaceutical drugs, a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture, and a 50% tariff on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and a 30% tariff on imported heavy trucks.

Through posts on the Truth Social network, Trump explained that the 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products will not apply to companies that are building production plants within the United States. According to him, this includes facilities that have already begun construction or are in the site preparation phase.

The measure comes at a sensitive time, since in 2024 the US imported nearly $233 billion worth of drugs and medical products, according to Census data. If the prices of some drugs double due to the tariffs, there could be a strong impact on health care costs, as well as on programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

However, some analysts believe the actual effect could be limited. Neal Shearing, chief economist at Capital Economics, noted that many of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies already have production facilities in the US or are building facilities. He also highlighted that generic drugs are exempt from the tariff.

“In addition, we believe there has been a significant buildup of inventory this year, which could cushion the impact,” Shearing reinforced.

In the furniture sector, Trump justified the new tariffs by claiming that foreign manufacturers are “flooding” the U.S. market. He said the measure is for “national security and other reasons.”

This comes just as home construction costs are already facing pressure from a shortage of supply and high mortgage rates. The new taxes could exacerbate that situation, especially in a market where prices are already unaffordable for many buyers.

Just a month ago, Trump had announced a “major tariff investigation” on imported furniture. Now, with the decision made, he warned that the tariffs will be permanent as long as “unfair competition” continues.

Regarding heavy-duty trucks, Trump claimed that the 30% tariff seeks to “protect our large heavy-duty truck manufacturers from unfair outside competition.” He cited brands like Peterbilt, Kenworth, Freightliner, and Mack Trucks as examples of companies that would benefit from this policy.

“Large truck manufacturers will be protected from the onslaught of outside disruptions,” the president wrote.

For much of 2025, Trump’s tariff policies avoided a direct impact on inflation. However, the latest economic data reflects a different reality. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.9% annually in August, up from 2.3% in April, just before the initial tariffs were announced. Despite the data, Trump insists there is "no inflation" and that the country is experiencing "incredible success." To date, there are no clear signs that these measures are spurring job creation in the industrial sector. Since April, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the loss of 42,000 manufacturing jobs and 8,000 construction jobs. You may also be interested in: