Trump Expands Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Over 400 Products Now Subject to Duties

President Trump expands tariffs on steel and aluminum to include over 400 consumer products, such as motorcycles and dinnerware, affecting over $328 billion in goods. The new list was published by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, causing confusion for importers and logistics professionals, with unclear guidelines for products in transit and unclear whether metal tariffs will be added to country-specific tariffs.

President Donald Trump has significantly expanded the scope of steel and aluminum tariffs, now including over 400 consumer products such as motorcycles, dinnerware, and auto parts. The new list, published by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, has created confusion for importers and logistics professionals due to unclear guidelines for products in transit and the potential stacking of metal tariffs with country-specific tariffs [1].

The expanded tariffs, effective Monday, August 18, 2025, impact a wide range of industries, with estimates suggesting they cover approximately $328 billion worth of goods. The move comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to protect domestic industries and address trade imbalances. Companies like ArcelorMittal, Cleveland-Cliffs, Nucor, Steel Dynamics, US Steel, Alcoa, and Century Aluminum will be directly affected by this expansion [1].

The new tariff list includes a broad range of items, demonstrating the reach of Trump's authority to use sectoral tariffs. This expansion is separate from the executive power invoked for so-called reciprocal tariffs. "Basically, if it's shiny, metallic, or remotely related to steel or aluminum, it's probably on the list," said Brian Baldwin, a vice president of customs at logistics giant Kuehne + Nagel International AG [1].

The difficulty in applying tariffs to derivative products lies in determining what percentage of an item is made from the targeted materials. Compliance costs are significant, as importers must chase suppliers for detailed data, such as aluminum weight and percentage of customs value. The complexity of the new tariffs has left many importers, including small businesses, struggling to comply [1].

Earlier on Friday, President Trump hinted at further announcements on steel tariffs and semiconductor imports during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. This expansion of tariffs is part of a broader strategy to protect domestic industries and address trade imbalances [1].

The impact of these tariffs on the financial markets and the broader economy remains to be seen. However, investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the developments to understand the potential implications for these companies and the industries they serve.

References:
[1] https://www.reuters.com/business/us-commerce-dept-widens-products-subject-steel-aluminum-tariffs-2025-08-15/