US Expands Steel, Aluminum Tariffs to 400+ Products

President Donald Trump's administration has expanded the 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum to cover over 400 additional product categories, including items such as fire extinguishers, wind turbines, mobile cranes, bulldozers, railcars, furniture, and automotive parts. The expansion aims to prevent circumvention of the tariffs and support the revitalization of the American steel and aluminum industries. Despite concerns from foreign automakers about the impact on domestic capacity, the tariffs now also include critical components for electric vehicles and automotive exhaust systems. This move significantly increases costs for importers and is expected to ripple through manufacturing sectors like construction, automotive, and electronics by raising production costs. The Department of Commerce and Customs have issued notices for immediate implementation, leaving importers facing difficult decisions regarding in-transit goods. Industry groups such as Cleveland Cliffs have supported the expanded tariffs as a strategic protection of U.S. industrial interests.