US President Donald Trump announces a 100% tariff on imported pharmaceutical drugs, along with steep tariffs on kitchen cabinets and furniture, effective October 1, 2025.
Washington | September 26, 2025: United States President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs, including a 100 per cent tariff on imported branded and patented pharmaceutical drugs, starting October 1, 2025. The move, unveiled through a Truth Social post on Friday, is aimed at pushing global drug manufacturers to set up production plants within the US.
100% Tariff on Imported Pharmaceuticals
Trump clarified that the tariff will not apply to companies that are already building manufacturing facilities in the country. “Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% tariff on any branded or patented pharmaceutical product, unless a company is building their pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in America,” he wrote.
According to Trump, “IS BUILDING” will mean breaking ground or being under active construction. Companies that have begun construction of facilities in the US will therefore be exempt from the steep tariffs.
Steep Tariffs on Household Products
Alongside the pharmaceutical crackdown, Trump also announced major tariffs on household products. From October 1:
- 50% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and related products
- 30% tariff on upholstered furniture
The decision is expected to significantly impact furniture prices, which have already surged in recent months. Data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) shows that furniture prices were up 4.7% in August 2025 compared to a year earlier, with living room and dining room furniture climbing 9.5% year-over-year.
Rising Costs and Global Trade Tensions
Industry experts note that tariffs under Trump’s administration have already fueled price hikes, particularly as the US imports a large share of its furniture from China and Vietnam. Both countries exported more than USD 12 billion worth of furniture and fixtures to the US last year.
Before Trump’s tariff measures, furniture costs had been declining for over two years. The President, however, argued that foreign manufacturers have been “flooding” the US market with cheap products, undermining American manufacturers.
“It is a very unfair practice, but we must protect our manufacturing process for national security and other reasons,” Trump said.
Broader Tariff Strategy
The latest move follows a series of tariff hikes Trump introduced in August 2025 after trade talks stalled with several countries. The revised tariff rates include:
- 50% tariffs on Indian goods, plus a 25% penalty on trade with Russia
- 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods
- 30% tariffs on South African goods
- 20% tariffs on Vietnamese goods
- 15% tariffs on Japanese and South Korean goods
The White House argues that these measures are essential to restore America’s manufacturing strength, protect local industries, and reduce dependence on foreign supply chains.
Economic Impact and Uncertainty Ahead
While the administration insists the tariffs will bring jobs back to America, critics warn that the measures could lead to higher consumer prices, worsen inflationary pressures, and disrupt supply chains for essential goods, including life-saving medicines.
For now, businesses and consumers alike are bracing for the impact as the October 1 deadline approaches. Pharmaceutical companies, furniture makers, and cabinet manufacturers across the globe are expected to feel the ripple effects of Trump’s aggressive tariff push.