The United States is preparing to expand tariffs on imported goods, targeting approximately 700 new items that contain steel. The US Commerce Department is reviewing requests from American companies to add these products to the “steel derivatives” list, which already includes 407 items taxed since August.
The requests come from a diverse range of US industries. For example, Guardian Bikes in Indiana is seeking tariffs on imported bicycles, while Red Gold, a tomato-canning company, wants levies on finished tin-plated cans. Cookware manufacturers like American Pan are also asking for protection against what they call “unfair” foreign competition.
The core argument from these US firms is one of fairness. They claim they are forced to pay high tariffs (up to 50%) on the raw steel they import, while foreign competitors can export finished goods containing steel to the US without paying a similar penalty, allowing them to undercut American-made products.
This move is causing significant concern among global trade partners, especially in Europe. Manufacturers there fear a “rolling and growing list” of tariffs that undermines existing trade agreements. These agreements set baseline tariffs, but the new derivative levies would be an additional tax on top of those rates.
Analysts note that the US government approved nearly all requests for the August tariff list, leading to widespread expectations that these 700 new items will also be approved. A final decision is expected in December or January.