*

Trump cites national security concerns for new round of

tariffs

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US Chamber of Commerce opposes tariffs, says top import

sources

are allies

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Mexico, Japan oppose tariffs, highlighting U.S. production

and

export content

(Adds details on other new tariffs throughout, adds bullet

points)

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump

on Thursday announced a new round of punishing tariffs, saying

the United States will impose a 100% tariffs on imported branded

drugs, 25% tariff on imports of all heavy-duty trucks and 50%

tariffs on kitchen cabinets.

Trump also said he would start charging a 30% tariff on

upholstered furniture next week.

He said the new heavy-duty truck tariffs were to protect

manufacturers from "unfair outside competition" and said the

move would benefit companies such as Paccar ( PCAR )-owned

Peterbilt and Kenworth and Daimler Truck-owned

Freightliner.

Trump has launched numerous national security probes into

potential new tariffs on a wide variety of products.

He said the new tariffs on kitchen, bathroom and some

furniture were because of huge levels of imports which were

hurting local manufacturers.

"The reason for this is the large scale "FLOODING" of these

products into the United States by other outside Countries,"

Trump said, citing national security concerns about U.S.

manufacturing.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged the department not to

impose new tariffs, noting the top five import sources are

Mexico, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Finland "all of which are

allies or close partners of the United States posing no threat

to U.S. national security."

Mexico is the largest exporter of medium- and heavy-duty

trucks to the United States. A study released in January said

imports of those larger vehicles from Mexico have tripled since

2019.

Higher tariffs on commercial vehicles could put pressure on

transportation costs just as Trump has vowed to reduce

inflation, especially on consumer goods such as groceries.

Tariffs could also affect Chrysler-parent Stellantis ( STLA )

which produces heavy-duty Ram trucks and commercial

vans in Mexico. Sweden's Volvo Group is building a

$700 million heavy-truck factory in Monterrey, Mexico, due to

start operations in 2026.

Mexico is home to 14 manufacturers and assemblers of

buses, trucks, and tractor trucks, and two manufacturers of

engines, according to the U.S. International Trade

Administration.

The country is also the leading global exporter of tractor

trucks, 95% of which are destined for the United States.

"We need our Truckers to be financially healthy and strong,

for many reasons, but above all else, for National Security

purposes!," Trump added.

Mexico opposed new tariffs, telling the Commerce Department

in May that all Mexican trucks exported to the United States

have on average 50% U.S. content, including diesel engines.

Last year, the United States imported almost $128 billion in

heavy vehicle parts from Mexico, accounting for approximately

28% of total U.S. imports, Mexico said.

The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association also

opposed new tariffs, saying Japanese companies have cut exports

to the United States as they have boosted U.S. production of

medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

(Reporting by Ismail Shakil; Editing by Caitlin Webber and

Lincoln Feast.)