Newly Announced Tariffs—Effective Oct. 1, 2025
President Trump announced new tariffs on Truth Social on several product categories, citing national security concerns under Section 232. These tariffs take effect Oct. 1, 2025. Please note that these announced tariffs are only announced via social media, and executive orders and CSMS messages have not been published yet.
- Pharmaceuticals (branded/patented): 100% tariff unless the company is actively building U.S. manufacturing facilities (defined as “breaking ground” or “under construction”)
- Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and related products: 50% tariff
- Upholstered furniture: 30% tariff
- Heavy trucks: 25% tariff
These measures reflect the administration’s continued use of Section 232 to address perceived threats to U.S. national security and manufacturing competitiveness.
What Importers Should Do
- Evaluate exposure: Review your import portfolio to determine if your products fall within these categories.
- Consider public comments: If impacted by the PPE/medical or robotics/industrial machinery investigations, consider filing comments within the 21-day window.
- Plan ahead: Build contingency plans for potential additional tariffs that could be assessed as soon as mid-2026, including contract renegotiations, supplier diversification and inventory strategies.
- Stay informed: Krieger will continue to provide updates as commerce publishes details and CBP issues implementing guidance.
New Section 232 Investigations Initiated
On Sept. 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce self-initiated two new Section 232 (national security) investigations covering:
- Personal protective equipment, medical consumables and medical equipment (including devices)
- Robotics and industrial machinery
Notices of request for public comment were submitted to the Office of the Federal Register and officially published:
- Copies of the notices are available (PPE and medical equipment and robotics and industrial machinery)
- The public comment period will run for 21 days following publication.
Purpose of the Investigations
Section 232 investigations assess whether imports of the covered articles threaten U.S. national security. The U.S. Department of Commerce is specifically requesting input on:
- Current and projected U.S. demand
- Domestic production capacity and ability to reduce reliance on foreign supply
- Unfair or predatory trade practices by other nations
- National security concerns, including potential for foreign “weaponization” of these products
The Department of Commerce has 270 days from Sept. 2, 2025, to complete its reports. The president then has 90 days to determine what actions, if any, should be taken.
Companies potentially affected should consider submitting comments to shape the scope of these investigations and begin contingency planning for possible tariffs as early as mid-2026.
Other Active Section 232 Investigations
- Timber and lumber, initiated March 10, 2025
- Semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, initiated April 1, 2025
- Pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients, initiated April 1, 2025
- Medium duty and heavy trucks, initiated April 22, 2025
- Processed critical minerals and derivative products, initiated April 22, 2025
- Commercial aircraft and jet engines, initiated May 1, 2025
