Presidnet Trump announces new tariffs on pharma, big trucks, furniture, kitchen supplies

Tariffs and Trade Policy - The US is imposing a 100% tariff on branded or patented pharmaceutical products entering the country, starting October 1st, with exemptions for companies building drug manufacturing plants in the US [1][2] - A 25% tariff will be imposed on imported heavy trucks, also starting on October 1st [2] - New tariffs on kitchen supplies and furniture include 50% on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and associated products, and 30% on upholstered furniture, all starting October 1st [3] - Section 232 investigations are initiated on imports of robotics, industrial machinery, and medical devices, potentially leading to tariffs on these products [3] Economic Impact and Reactions - The trade war has caused a drop in Chinese purchases of American soybeans, leading to a mechanism to transfer tariff dollars to American farmers to offset the impact [4] - Concerns are raised about "crony capitalism" and the potential for businesses to seek exemptions from tariffs, favoring big and connected businesses [9][10] - The White House views the president as the "dealmaker chief" and sees the tariff policy as a deliberate strategy to improve the US economy, even if it means picking winners and losers [13][14] Legal and Political Considerations - Invoking national security for tariffs, such as on bathroom vanities, is seen as an attempt to find a firmer legal footing for the tariffs, potentially to defend them in court [15][16] - There is speculation that even if Democrats come into power, these tariffs may not be rolled back entirely due to the desire to protect American workers and maintain government revenue [20][21] - Exemptions from tariffs could become a tool for any president to favor certain players, including liberal billionaires or trade unions [22]