Overview
- The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security added 407 product types to its list of steel and aluminum ‘derived’ goods now covered by the 50% duty.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection published an overlapping list of 400-plus everyday items subject to the levy based on their metal content, including air conditioners, motorcycles and baby car seats.
- The expansion applies the 50% rate to the steel and aluminum contained within finished products, not just to primary metal imports.
- A European Commission spokesman said Brussels has postponed a joint declaration with Washington as contacts continue, with the EU seeking sector exemptions such as pharmaceuticals and wine.
- Implementation questions persist over how to measure metal content and whether the duties apply to goods already en route, with one estimate suggesting exposure of roughly $320 billion in 2024-value imports and potential pressure on producer prices.