Trump Administration Expands Steel, Aluminum Tariffs to 400 Goods, Catching Industry Off Guard

The Trump administration has abruptly expanded the scope of steel and aluminum tariffs, catching the logistics industry off guard with the breadth and urgency of the implementation. The administration announced new tariffs on over 400 consumer goods containing steel and aluminum, including items such as motorcycles and cutlery. The changes took effect on Monday, with no prior notice to customs brokers and importers, and included in-transit goods.

On Friday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency released a new list of tariff-included items, which was published in the Federal Register on Tuesday. This sudden move has caused significant confusion among trade professionals, particularly regarding the handling of goods already en route to the U.S. and the application of tariffs on top of existing country-specific tariffs.

After six months of trade wars and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the logistics industry, including freight forwarders, shippers, and intermediaries, has become accustomed to navigating supply chain disruptions. However, the scope and speed of the latest tariff expansion have caught many by surprise.

“Since 2025, we have experienced many last-minute measures, but this time it is particularly impactful, affecting all of my clients,” said the president of a trade compliance consulting firm based in Michigan. “Previous announcements at least had some in-transit exemptions, allowing importers to make reasonable purchasing decisions. This time, it is a complete surprise.”

The new list includes a wide range of items such as automotive parts, chemicals, plastics, and furniture components, demonstrating the extensive reach of the tariffs. This move is separate from the administration's use of reciprocal tariffs under its authority.

“Essentially, if it is shiny, metallic, or has any relation to steel or aluminum, it is likely on the list,” wrote the vice president of U.S. Customs at a major logistics company. “This is not just an addition of a new tariff—it is a strategic shift in the regulation of steel and aluminum derivative products.”

The challenge of imposing tariffs on derivative products lies in determining the percentage of the target material in a given product. For many brands, this means tracking down suppliers for detailed information, including the weight of aluminum, the percentage of customs value, and the country of casting or smelting. The compliance burden is significant, affecting a wide range of products from motorcycles and transportation equipment to children's car seats, cutlery, and personal care products packaged in metal containers.

Clients of the trade compliance consulting firm include importers of cosmetics and commercial cookware. On Monday, the firm sent a letter to elected officials in Washington, warning that the complexity of the tariffs has made it difficult even for professionals to manage. The letter stated, “For small importers, this is an impossible situation.”

“I cannot think of a single client who has not been affected,” the president of the consulting firm said. “These are American companies employing Americans, but they are being ambushed by their own government.”