Companies around the world are preparing for a potential new wave of U.S. tariffs on imported goods containing steel, as American businesses push the Trump administration to widen its list of taxed products. The move could affect everything from bicycles to baking trays, creating uncertainty across international supply chains.
Small, medium, and large U.S. companies have requested that the Department of Commerce add approximately 700 new items to an August list of 407 products already subject to extra tariffs due to their steel content. The first list included goods such as IKEA tables with metal nuts and bolts and German combine harvesters. If the new list is approved, the expanded tariffs could take effect as early as December or January, affecting exporters worldwide.
European industry leaders have expressed concern that the expanding list of “steel derivatives” could undermine existing trade agreements. While manufacturers had initially adapted to tariffs set under frameworks negotiated with the Trump administration—such as the UK’s baseline 10 percent tariff and 25 percent on steel, and the EU’s 25 and 50 percent rates—many now worry that derivative tariffs could layer additional costs on top of these agreements.
The requests reflect growing pressure from U.S. industries struggling with foreign competition. Among the companies submitting requests are Guardian Bikes in Indiana, the tomato-canning company Red Gold, manufacturers of steel truck wheels, mattress spring producers, and firms producing over 200 types of industrial machines used in tunneling, printing, and flooring.
In its 11-page submission, Guardian Bikes argued that the U.S. bicycle industry had been “lost” due to 11 million imported bikes in 2024 and claimed that China’s low-cost exports posed severe competition. Approval of the derivative steel tariffs would apply globally, potentially affecting British brands such as Brompton and high-end Italian bicycle makers including Pinarello and Bianchi.
Red Gold, which sources tomatoes from 43 farms in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, highlighted a similar concern. The company faces 25 percent tariffs on tinplate steel from the UK and 50 percent on steel from other regions used in its cans, while foreign competitors supplying finished cans to the U.S. pay lower or no comparable tariffs, putting domestic producers at a disadvantage. Red Gold’s plea urged the administration to extend steel derivative levies to level the playing field.
Other petitioners include American Pan and Chicago Metallic, which produce commercial baking pans. They argued that Chinese cookware was flooding the U.S. market at low cost, putting local producers at an “unfair” advantage and justifying inclusion on the steel derivatives tariff list.
Trade analysts have warned that these requests signal an increasingly expansionist U.S. tariff policy. George Riddell, senior adviser at advisory firm Flint Global, said the approach demonstrates near-zero rejection of inclusion requests in previous rounds and highlights the uncertainty that remains in U.S.-UK and U.S.-EU trade relations, despite existing agreements.
The Department of Commerce is expected to make a decision on the expanded list of steel derivative tariffs in December, approximately 60 days after the submission deadline. Companies worldwide, from exporters to importers and supply chain operators, are closely monitoring developments, as the new tariffs could have a significant impact on manufacturing costs, international pricing, and cross-border trade flows.
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