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The global trade environment is heating up once again. What began as procedural updates to the United States’ reciprocal tariff framework earlier this year has now become a full-scale tariff standoff. Between an announced 100% tariff on Chinese imports and fresh duties on furniture and lumber, the trade landscape in October 2025 is as unpredictable as ever.
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So, in case you had looked away from the headlines for a second (no judgement), here’s a little bit of what’s happening…
100% Tariff on China: The Threat That Could Redefine Trade
Earlier this month, President Trump announced plans to impose a 100% tariff on all imports from China starting November 1, 2025, in response to Beijing’s expanded rare-earth export restrictions. The announcement instantly revived fears of another prolonged trade war. But according to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the move is still conditional. In an interview with CNBC, Greer stated that whether the tariff takes effect “depends on China” and how it responds to Washington’s demands for fairer trade and critical-mineral access.
For now, that means businesses are operating in a zone of uncertainty. Importers are placing early orders and adjusting sourcing strategies, while economists warn that the shock of such a sweeping tariff could ripple through manufacturing, retail, and consumer pricing before the end of the year.
It’s important to note that, as reported on October 27, 2025 by CNN, the US and China are once again circling the trade ring, this time with talks in Malaysia that could reshape the contours of the tariff war.
Sector Tariffs Now in Force
While the proposed 100% tariff on Chinese imports has dominated headlines, several sector-specific tariffs officially took effect on October 14th under a Section 232 national security framework. The new measures include a 25% tariff on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and bathroom vanities, along with a 10% tariff on softwood timber and lumber.
According to Reuters and AP News, these duties are part of the administration’s effort to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains in critical goods categories. However, industry analysts and trade groups warn that the tariffs are already increasing costs for builders, manufacturers, and retailers—particularly within the construction, home furnishings, and remodeling markets where material and production expenses were already on the rise.
Keypoint Intelligence Opinion
Tariffs may boost domestic production in the short term, but they often introduce lasting cost pressures and uncertainty. The combination of new sector duties and the proposed 100% tariff on China could elevate prices across manufacturing, construction, and consumer markets while testing supply chain resilience.
As policy and politics increasingly intertwine, businesses should prioritize sourcing flexibility and risk mitigation. Whether this becomes a temporary negotiating tactic or the start of another trade war, the message is clear: Tariffs remain one of the most disruptive forces in global commerce.
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