Tariffs on Cabinets, Drugs, and Metals
- Schulz Trade Law
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Tariffs on Cabinets, Drugs, and Metals
Michelle Schulz Explains What’s Coming October 1
Trade attorney Michelle Schulz unpacks why tariffs are targeting everyday goods, how drug prices may rise, and what consumers and manufacturers should expect in the months ahead.
Why Cabinets and Vanities Are on the List
When asked why the administration would target something as specific as kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, Michelle Schulz explained that the choice ties back to trade imbalances.
“Over the past five or six years, we’ve seen a lot of tariffs on cabinetry and wood items from China and Vietnam. These goods are flowing into the United States much faster than they’re flowing out. So the 50% tariff is intended to address that deficit.”
This reasoning highlights how tariffs can sometimes focus on niche categories where the U.S. sees a widening gap, even if the products are central to ordinary households.
Drug Costs and Uneven Impacts
Turning to pharmaceuticals, Schulz pointed out that the effects will vary depending on the size of the company. Major players like Roche and Novartis—already operating in the U.S. or pledging billions in investment—may avoid the harshest penalties. But smaller and mid-sized firms face a much tougher path.
“My concern is more with the medium size or smaller businesses. They probably cannot afford to open a manufacturing plant that quickly in the U.S., and they have to commit by October 1.”
For consumers, this could mean higher prices at both the pharmacy counter and in prescription drugs. “Anything with a brand that is on a shelf at a pharmacy is going to go up. And similarly, prescription drugs are not ruled out.”Michelle Schulz on KSL Radio, S…
Metals, Trucks, and the Consumer Timeline
The new tariffs also extend to aluminum, steel, and copper—all at 50%. Schulz noted this could affect everything from beer cans and soda to industrial containers. Even heavy-duty trucks will face a 25% tariff, though she admitted imports in that category are less common.
As for when consumers might see benefits from these policies, Schulz was cautious:
“I don’t expect the benefits to come quickly, because they virtually never do in these situations. First, we’re going to see the negative impact… maybe a year or two from now, we might start benefiting. But as of today, this is customs collecting revenue from U.S. companies, and that revenue goes to the government.”
With October 1 approaching, companies need to know exactly how these tariffs apply to their goods—and whether investments or commitments can shield them.
Contact Schulz Trade Law today to review your supply chain exposure, assess compliance risks, and prepare your business for the long-term impact of these new trade measures.
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