Trump Ramps Up Trade War as New Tariffs on Lumber and Furniture Take Effect

President Trump ushered in new tariffs on imported furniture, kitchen cabinets and lumber on Tuesday, adding a fresh round of levies as he once again threatened to expand his trade war with China.

Tariffs ranging from 10 to 50 percent on foreign wood products and furniture snapped into effect just after midnight. The tariffs are meant to encourage more domestic logging and furniture manufacturing. But critics say the levies will raise prices for American consumers and could slow industries including home building that rely on materials from abroad.

The tariffs add to import taxes that President Trump has already imposed on cars, steel and other goods. And they take effect as Mr. Trump is engaging in a high-stakes game of chicken with China, one of America’s biggest trading partners, which could end up derailing trade and slowing the U.S. economy.