**Trump Announces 25% Tariff on Heavy Truck Imports** OTTAWA — U.S. President Donald Trump has declared a new 25% tariff on medium and heavy-duty truck imports, effective November 1. This announcement comes just one day before his scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump shared the news via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

The tariff is part of Trump's ongoing trade strategy, which has included various tariffs on imports from multiple sectors. This latest move is seen as a continuation of his administration's efforts to protect U.S. industries and address what he describes as threats to national security.

In a related development, Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff on imported timber and lumber, along with a 25% duty on kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and upholstered furniture. These tariffs are set to take effect on October 14. The president justified these tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1974, claiming that imports in these sectors are undermining U.S. national security.

The new tariffs on lumber and furniture are part of a broader strategy that Trump hinted at last week, which could also include steep duties on patented pharmaceuticals and heavy truck imports. The proclamation regarding the lumber and furniture tariffs indicates that duties will increase on January 1, 2026, to 30% for upholstered wooden products and 50% for kitchen cabinets and vanities from countries that do not reach an agreement with the U.S.

Trump's administration has emphasized that the influx of wood product imports is harming the U.S. economy, leading to potential closures of wood mills and disruptions in supply chains. The president's statements suggest that these products are critical for national defense and infrastructure.

The Canadian government has expressed concern over the impact of these tariffs, particularly on its lumber industry, which is the largest supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S. Canadian producers are already facing combined duties of over 35% due to ongoing trade disputes. The federal government has pledged up to $1.2 billion in aid to help Canadian softwood lumber producers cope with these tariffs.

Industry leaders in Canada have voiced their worries about the implications of these tariffs. James McKenna, a kitchen cabinet maker from New Brunswick, described the 25% duty as "extremely high and difficult," noting that it could severely impact his business. He stated, "We may be able to manage with the exchange rate and the low cost of transportation getting it to our close U.S. customers, but anything above 25%... will ultimately shut down the industry shipping to the United States."

The Independent Wood Processors Association of B.C. has also reported that its members are struggling under the weight of existing tariffs. Executive Director Brian Menzies remarked that the industry has already been devastated and is facing increasing challenges due to U.S. tariffs.

As the U.S. continues to implement these tariffs, the Canadian government hopes to negotiate reductions through a broader revamp of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement on trade. However, the recent announcements have raised concerns about the future of trade relations between the two countries and the potential economic impact on Canadian producers.