New Tariff Wave Targets Pharma, Furniture, and Trucks; Maersk Holds the Line on Surcharges as Tariffs Reshape Shipping

The Trump administration is rolling out a new set of tariffs that hit sectors long considered outside the core of past trade actions. Starting October 1, kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities may see a 50% duty, upholstered furniture around 30%, and heavy trucks a 25% tariff.

These measures expand on earlier rounds that focused on steel, autos, and aluminum, and they arrive as fresh Section 232 investigations signal more sectors could be pulled in next. There are legal risks as well: several tariffs tied to emergency authorities are already facing legal challenges in federal court, raising questions about how aggressively the administration can stretch its power.

Drugmakers warn that sourcing specialized components becomes more expensive and complex. Furniture importers and truck manufacturers will be forced to rework pricing, production plans, and logistics. Some companies may pass the costs to consumers, while others could accelerate domestic production to blunt the impact.

As the U.S. prepares to impose new fees on non-U.S.-flagged or China-built vessels, Maersk says it will not pass those costs to customers through surcharges. Instead, the company plans to absorb the impact internally, aiming to preserve stability and competitiveness in customer relationships.

This move comes as volumes on the China–North America trade lane have fallen roughly 15% year over year in the second quarter. Manufacturers are increasingly moving production to Southeast Asia in response to tariff pressures, weakening the traditional China-to-U.S. pipeline. Rather than risk losing more volume by adding extra charges, Maersk appears to be prioritizing long-term loyalty over short-term margin protection.

The decision highlights a broader trend among major carriers: navigating tariff volatility and policy shifts without alienating shippers. Maersk’s posture suggests the company sees more value in retention and reliability than in reacting with quick price hikes.