The US government has announced the expansion of its steel and aluminum tariffs to over 400 additional product categories. The move aims to protect American industries, but economists warn that it could further strain the supply chain and raise prices for consumers.
Everyday items such as car parts, plastics, and specialty chemicals are now subject to the new duties. This includes fire extinguishers, machinery, construction materials, and other products that contain or are made with aluminum or steel.
The tariffs have been quietly expanded since Monday, increasing the scope of levies announced by President Donald Trump in June. The list now covers over 407 new product categories, according to the Department of Commerce.
Experts predict significant impacts on trade and prices. According to Jason Miller, a professor at Michigan State University, the steel and aluminum tariffs now affect over $320 billion of imports. This is a substantial increase from his previous estimate of around $190 billion.
“The new tariffs will add more inflationary cost-push pressures to already climbing prices that domestic producers are charging,” Miller said.
The White House claims that the expansion was not unexpected, citing a new process for including products in steel and aluminum tariffs established by the Bureau of Industry and Security. However, experts argue that the move is part of a broader trade agenda aimed at protecting American industries.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/19/trump-trade-steel-aluminum-tariffs-.html