Trump Imposes New Tariffs on Medicines, Heavy Trucks, Furniture

US President Donald Trump has announced a new round of punitive tariffs on a wide range of imported goods, intensifying his administration’s protectionist trade policy.

The measures include a 100% tariff on branded and patented medicines, a 25% tariff on heavy trucks, a 50% tariff on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture. These tariffs are scheduled to take effect from early October.

Tariffs have become a central feature of Trump’s second term, with sweeping duties already imposed on global trading partners ranging between 10% and 50%. The latest action has increased uncertainty in the world economy and placed additional pressure on international business planning.

The pharmaceutical sector in Asia saw immediate losses, with shares falling sharply after the announcement of tariffs on medicines. The new rules state that the tariffs will apply to all imported pharmaceutical products unless the manufacturer has already started building production facilities in the United States.

It remains unclear whether the new tariffs will be added on top of existing measures or if exemptions will be provided for countries with trade agreements, such as Japan and the European Union.

Analysts see this move as part of Trump’s wider strategy to ensure a stronger legal foundation for his tariff regime, particularly as the US Supreme Court considers the legality of his global trade duties.

The latest measures are expected to have significant consequences for global trade, with ripple effects for American consumers and industries dependent on imports.