Trump’s New Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals, Trucks, and Furniture: What It Means for Importers and Fulfillment

Tariffs Expand to New Sectors

On September 25, 2025, President Trump announced a new wave of tariffs set to take effect October 1. The duties target pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks, kitchen cabinets and vanities, and upholstered furniture — with rates ranging from 25% to 100%.

The announcement came through a series of Truth Social posts and adds to the broader landscape of Trump’s tariffs that continue to reshape supply chains and logistics strategies across industries:

100% tariff on branded or patented pharmaceutical products.


25% tariff on “heavy (big!) trucks.”


50% tariff on kitchen cabinets, vanities, and related products.


30% tariff on upholstered furniture.

These moves follow earlier Section 232 investigations, which allow tariffs on imports deemed to impact national security. Similar actions were previously applied to steel, aluminum, and autos.

For businesses importing these products, the implications are immediate: higher landed costs, supply chain disruptions, and increased urgency to adjust logistics strategies.

Impact on Supply Chains

The new tariffs add another layer of complexity to an already strained logistics environment. Companies will face:

Rising import costs that directly affect margins.


Pressure to reshore or diversify sourcing from countries like Vietnam or Mexico.


Disruptions in supply planning as importers weigh whether to accelerate shipments before Oct. 1 or absorb new costs.


Greater demand for efficiency in logistics to offset tariff-driven expenses elsewhere.

Industry Breakdown

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical brands face the steepest increase — a 100% tariff on branded or patented drugs. For companies already navigating FDA regulations and strict compliance requirements, these new duties could double landed costs. Efficient pharmaceutial fulfillment and inventory control will be critical to maintaining margins.

Trucks and Auto Parts

A 25% tariff on heavy trucks will ripple into the auto sector, increasing costs for vehicle imports, parts, and aftermarket servicing. Companies may need to rethink their distribution networks for auto parts and related products.

Furniture and Home Goods

Upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities face tariffs of 30–50%. These bulky, oversized items are already expensive to ship and store. The added duties make it more important to work with a 3PL that specializes in oversized fulfillment, rate shopping, and customized racking for large products. These challenges are similar to the impact of tariffs on fashion and apparel, where consumer goods brands are already adapting to higher costs and shifting supply chains.

How 3PL Center Helps Businesses Navigate Tariffs

While tariffs are beyond a shipper’s control, businesses can minimize the impact by optimizing logistics. At 3PL Center, we help importers adapt by:

Nationwide warehouses that allow 2-day ground shipping, reducing reliance on costly express shipping.


A robust WMS with tools like real-time inventory tracking, box optimization, and rate shopping.


Container tracking during drayage, so you know exactly where goods are from port to warehouse.


Expertise in oversized and bulky items — including furniture, e-bikes, and mattresses — supported by specialized equipment and custom racking.


Industry-specific fulfillment solutions for pharmaceuticals, auto parts, furniture, cosmetics, and more.

By improving efficiency and leveraging discounted carrier rates, we help companies offset rising import costs and maintain competitiveness.

FAQs:

1. When do the new tariffs take effect?
They will be implemented starting October 1, 2025, covering pharmaceuticals, trucks, cabinets, vanities, and upholstered furniture.

2. How high are the tariffs?
Rates range from 25% to 100%, depending on the product category.

3. How can logistics reduce the impact of tariffs?
While tariffs increase landed costs, efficient fulfillment, rate shopping, and distributed warehousing can lower domestic shipping expenses and help balance the total cost.

Preparing Your Supply Chain

Tariffs add uncertainty and cost to global trade, but companies that adapt their logistics strategies can soften the blow. By partnering with a 3PL that offers transparency, nationwide coverage, and industry-specific expertise, businesses can protect their margins and keep products moving.

Want to know how 3PL Center can help your business adjust to tariffs? Use our quote calculator or book a call with our team today.