The Trump administration has quietly broadened its 50% tariffs on steel and aluminium to cover more than 400 additional product categories. 

The expanded list now includes items such as fire extinguishers, machinery, construction materials, and specialty chemicals that contain—or are made from—steel or aluminium.

Charles Johnson, president & CEO of the Aluminum Association, responded to this in a statement and said: “This expansion of Section 232 tariffs to cover a wider scope of products containing aluminium is a major win for US aluminium makers. 

“This targeted action gets to the heart of the problem facing the industry today — too many countries are circumventing trade rules by importing unfairly produced and traded aluminium in end products. 

“These ‘derivative’ products, which contain aluminium from China and other non-market actors, are too often making their way across the U.S. border. The Trump administration’s decision to expand the list of covered products is exactly the kind of pro-growth trade policy U.S. aluminium producers need. 

“Targeted enforcement, strong trade partnerships and energy reforms will advance U.S. economic and defence priorities by keeping American aluminium competitive, sustainable and growing for generations to come. We look forward to further adjustments to the current tariff policy that will drive future growth in our industry.”