In response to the recent increase in import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on items like softwood lumber, upholstered furniture, and kitchen cabinets, China has stepped forward with a critical statement. During a regular briefing on Tuesday, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, emphasized that “there are no winners in tariff skirmishes or trade wars,” highlighting that protectionism ultimately leads to negative outcomes. This reaction was reported by the state-run Global Times.
Rise in Tariffs and Its Potential Effects on Inflation
These tariffs are being implemented even after several productive discussions between trade teams from the U.S. and China. Trump remains focused on revamping American manufacturing by putting pressure on foreign competitors, claiming pre-2021 trade deals were unfavorable to the U.S.
It’s worth noting that tariffs act as taxes imposed on importers. Although they can bolster some local businesses by limiting competition from overseas companies, they also pose a risk of driving up costs, which may lead to higher prices for everyday consumers.
The issue of inflation in the U.S. is currently significant, with tariffs contributing to increasing costs. The Federal Reserve expressed its worries that tariffs could lead to sustained price hikes in the upcoming months. They recently lowered interest rates in September, and there are indicators suggesting they might do so again before the year ends.
The burden of high living expenses was a key factor contributing to Trump’s electoral success, but if consumer prices keep climbing and the job market remains sluggish, it could spell trouble for him in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Details on Trump’s Recent Tariffs
Trump made headlines on Monday, referring to China in a post on Truth Social where he talked about imposing new tariffs on furniture imports. He stated, “To revive North Carolina, which has seen its furniture industry wane due to competition from China and other nations, I will implement significant tariffs on any country that doesn’t produce its furniture in the U.S.”
Shortly after, The White House declared that Trump had enacted a 10 percent global tariff on softwood lumber imports. Additionally, he set a 25 percent global tariff on select upholstered furniture, with this rate increasing to 30 percent by January 1, 2026. The same tariff applies to kitchen cabinets and vanities, where the current rate of 25 percent will amp up to 50 percent in about four months.
However, it’s pertinent to mention that countries like the U.K., the European Union, and Japan, which have established trade agreements with the Trump administration, will benefit from reduced rates.
Updated, 9/30/25, 4:50 a.m. ET: This piece has been updated with additional information.
