Starting October 14, the U.S. will add new Section 232 tariffs on imported wood products—10% on lumber and 25% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. The move reframes wood supply as a national-security issue and forces importers to revisit pricing, HTS classification, and delivery timing. As a China-based freight forwarding company, Global Vertical can help you model landed costs and plan shipments under the new rules.

What's changing and when?

1. Effective Oct 14, 2025:

• 10% on softwood lumber.
• 25% on upholstered wooden products, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities. 

2. From Jan 1, 2026 (escalation if no agreements are reached):

• Upholstered wooden products rise to 30%.
• Cabinets and vanities may rise to 50%. 

A White House proclamation lays out the legal basis (Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act) and product coverage via HTS annexes. Some partner economies face capped combined rates (e.g., EU and Japan capped at 15% with MFN duties), but most shipments will see the full rates unless a specific arrangement applies. 

Who is most affected?

Importers sourcing lumber and finished cabinetry from major suppliers—including Canada (softwood lumber) and Asian furniture hubs—should expect immediate cost pressure and potential lead-time shifts as U.S. buyers rebalance supply. Industry observers warn of pass-through effects on homebuilding and renovation budgets as material and fixture costs move higher. 

Action checklist for importers and sellers

1. Reprice and re-quote current POs and bids that land on/after Oct 14; build scenarios for the Jan 1, 2026 step-ups. 
2. Classify precisely using the HTS lines named in the proclamation annexes; misclassification risks over- or under-payment. 
3. Review contracts for tariff-surcharges and Incoterms; clarify who pays duties (DDP vs. DAP/FOB).
4. Explore supply options in economies with capped or negotiated rates where applicable.
5. Update landed-cost models (tariffs + brokerage + inland) to protect margins and customer pricing.

How Global Vertical can help

As a China-based freight forwarding company, Global Vertical supports sellers and importers with door-to-door options, HS code guidance from broker partners, and landed-cost planning across ocean, air, and rail. If your portfolio includes lumber, cabinets, vanities, or upholstered wood furniture destined for the U.S., we can coordinate quotations that reflect the new 232 duties, evaluate alternative routings, and time arrivals relative to the tariff calendar.

The new Section 232 tariffs on wood products—10% on softwood lumber now and potential increases to as high as 50% for kitchen cabinets and vanities in 2026—will reshape cost structures for builders, retailers, and e-commerce sellers. Proactive planning on classification, pricing, and supply mix will be critical—and Global Vertical stands ready to help you adapt with clear landed-cost visibility and reliable logistics from China to the U.S.