U.S. Expands Steel and Aluminum Tariffs to Cover 407 Additional Product Categories

The U.S. Department of Commerce has broadened the scope of its Section 232 tariffs, adding 407 new product categories to the list of steel and aluminum goods subject to duties. Effective immediately, these items will face a 50% tariff rate, marking a significant expansion of trade restrictions aimed at strengthening US domestic industries.

According to the announcement, the expanded list spans a wide range of manufactured goods. Products now affected include wind turbines and their parts and components, mobile cranes, bulldozers, railcars, compressors, pumps, and various types of furniture, among others. By extending coverage to derivative products, the Commerce Department seeks to prevent importers from bypassing tariff rules by shifting production toward partially finished or related goods.

“This action expands the reach of the steel and aluminum tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention,” said Jeffrey Kessler, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, noting that the policy is designed to sustain the revival of U.S. metal manufacturing.

The move follows a series of presidential proclamations earlier this year that strengthened Section 232 tariffs. In February, Proclamations 10895 and 10896 removed numerous exemptions while tightening enforcement against duty evasion. In June, Proclamation 10947 doubled tariff rates on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, signaling an aggressive trade stance.

The Commerce Department also operates a product inclusion process, offering businesses the opportunity to petition for exclusions three times annually. According to the Commerce Department, the next submission window will open in September, with details published in the Federal Register.

Trade analysts suggest the tariff expansion could have dual impacts. On one hand, it is expected to bolster U.S. steel and aluminum producers by reducing competitive pressure from imports. On the other, manufacturers relying on global supply chains—such as the renewable energy, construction, and heavy equipment sectors—may face higher input costs, potentially driving up prices for end consumers.

The policy also underscores ongoing tensions in international trade, particularly with major steel-exporting nations. Industry observers note that such tariff measures may invite retaliatory actions, affecting broader U.S. export competitiveness.

It has been reported that a full list of the 407 product categories has been published in the Federal Register annex, along with Commerce’s explanations for each decision. Businesses impacted by the new tariffs are encouraged to review the notice and prepare for the upcoming exclusion request window.

Source: US Department of Commerce