US expands 50% steel, aluminum tariffs' scope to include 407 new product types

By Mucahithan Avcioglu

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US Commerce Department announced Tuesday it expanded the scope of its 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to include 407 new product categories.

The additional tariffs, which went into effect Monday, broaden the scope of the charges on the valued goods that President Donald Trump had previously imposed.

Products that include or are contained in steel or aluminum, such as fire extinguishers, machinery, building supplies and specialized chemicals, are now included on the tariff list.

Material contents other than steel and aluminum will continue to be subjected to existing tariffs.

“Today’s action expands the reach of the steel and aluminum tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention – supporting the continued revitalization of the American steel and aluminum industries,” Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler said in a statement.

The agency said the move is the latest in a series of "historic" steps by the Trump administration to strengthen the US’ steel and aluminum industry.

Trump has used sectoral tariffs to bring back manufacturing to the US, as well as blanket tariffs.

The president announced in June that he doubled tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%.