U.S. Imposes 25% Tariff on Heavy Trucks, Furniture, and Pharmaceuticals
Industry experts warn the tariffs may drive up supply chain costs and burden consumers, even as the government frames the policy as a bid to revive jobs.
The U.S. government has unveiled sweeping new tariffs on heavy trucks, pharmaceuticals, and home goods, marking a major escalation in President Donald Trump’s trade strategy. Starting from October 1, imported heavy trucks will face a 25% tariff, a move intended to protect American manufacturers but one that analysts warn could ripple across global supply chains and raise costs for international shippers.
The measures also include a 100% tariff on branded prescription drugs, unless the producer has already begun building a factory in the U.S. Home goods were hit, with a 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and a 30% duty on upholstered furniture.
“These tariffs will protect American jobs and bring production back to our country,” Trump said.
Industry groups and trade experts have raised concerns that the new U.S. tariffs could disrupt supply chains and push up costs for businesses globally, with ripple effects that may extend to emerging markets, including Africa.
The U Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association warned that higher duties on imported trucks “will ripple through the supply chain, driving up expenses for businesses and consumers.” Pharmaceutical associations also cautioned that doubling the cost of branded medicines could limit patient access and add pressure to an already strained health system.
Mary Lovely, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Reuters the measures are unlikely to come without consequences. “Trump’s tariffs will cause price increases and job losses in due course,” she said.
Analysts also noted the possibility of trade tensions with partners such as Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, which have agreements restricting tariffs on certain goods. Officials in Brussels and Tokyo confirmed they are reviewing the announcement and considering possible responses—a move that could reshape trade flows and impact sourcing strategies for global manufacturers.
For African businesses trading with the U.S., these tariffs could affect logistics costs, sourcing strategies, and export opportunities, particularly for sectors linked to furniture and pharmaceuticals. Analysts suggest regional manufacturers may need to monitor these developments closely, as they could reshape sourcing partnerships and influence future trade flows under frameworks like AfCFTA.
