Starting on Oct. 14, the United States began to apply a 10 percent tariff on all imported softwood timber and lumber. Additionally, a 25 percent tariff has been placed on all imports of upholstered wooden products, typically furniture, as well as on kitchen cabinets and vanities.
Some affected by the tariffs love the idea. The American lumber industry and cabinet makers see the tariffs as a necessary move to stop foreign competitors from systematically undercutting Americans.
Others, such as the furniture industry, are skeptical. Furniture industry associations say they heavily depend upon imported components to finish products in America. They also see the tariffs as yet another drag on an industry already stymied by a slow housing market….