The US Commerce Department has announced that the 50% steel tariffs imposed by the Trump administration will now apply to consumer appliances containing steel, starting June 23. These tariffs, which were initially set on imported steel, will tax an additional 50% for the amount of steel in products such as refrigerators, dryers, washing machines, and dishwashers.
The move aims to prevent foreign competitors from evading the tariffs by shipping completed appliances that aren’t subject to the levies. The goal is to make American-made appliances more competitive with foreign equivalents, which often rely on cheaper parts and labor.
The tariffs have been a contentious issue, with some manufacturers praising the boost they’ve given to the US steel industry but others warning of higher prices for consumers. In 2021, analysis by the International Trade Commission found that similar tariffs on washing machines had reduced output in that industry by over $3 billion.
President Trump has previously touted his tariffs as a success for the American steel industry, claiming it would have otherwise disappeared. However, critics argue that these tariffs have raised costs for construction and manufacturing industries, which were supposed to be supported by the administration.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/13/business/steel-us-tariffs-appliances