Trump's New Tariffs to Slam America's Already Brutal Housing Crisis
In a move that has sparked widespread concern among housing experts and advocates, President Donald Trump's administration announced new tariffs on imported goods that will take effect this Wednesday, October 1. The tariffs, which include a 50 percent tax on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30 percent on upholstered furniture, and 25 percent on heavy trucks used in construction, are set to exacerbate the already dire housing crisis in the United States.
According to a report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the new tariffs will add an estimated $10,900 to the cost of building a typical new home. This comes on top of existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and lumber, which have been driving up construction costs throughout 2025.
"This is a devastating blow to the housing market," said Jerry Howard, CEO of the NAHB. "We've already seen significant increases in construction costs due to previous tariffs, and this new round will only make it harder for people to afford homes."
The impact of these tariffs will be felt across the country, particularly in areas with high demand for housing. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami are already struggling to meet the needs of their growing populations.
"The housing crisis is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive solution," said Rachel Cohen Booth, senior policy correspondent for Vox. "These tariffs will only make it more difficult for people to access affordable housing."
The new tariffs have been met with criticism from international leaders and experts who argue that they will not only harm the US economy but also have far-reaching consequences globally.
"The US is essentially imposing a tax on its own citizens," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, an economist at the University of London. "This will lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced economic growth, and potentially even more severe housing shortages."
The international community has been watching the US housing market with growing concern. In 2020, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) reported that over 1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe and affordable housing.
As the new tariffs take effect, experts warn of a potential perfect storm in the housing market. With interest rates rising, construction costs soaring, and demand for housing remaining high, many fear that the already brutal housing crisis will only worsen.
The Trump administration has defended the tariffs as necessary measures to protect American industries and jobs. However, critics argue that these policies are short-sighted and will ultimately harm the very people they aim to help.
As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the impact of these new tariffs on the US housing market will be far-reaching and devastating.
*Reporting by Vox.*
