ISTANBUL: The US Commerce Department on Tuesday announced it has expanded the scope of its 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminium imports to cover 407 new product categories, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
The additional tariffs, effective Monday, extend the charges first imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Items containing steel or aluminium, such as fire extinguishers, machinery, building supplies and specialised chemicals, are now included on the list.
Other material contents will continue to face existing tariffs.
“Today’s action expands the reach of the steel and aluminium tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention, supporting the continued revitalisation of the American steel and aluminium industries,” said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler.
The agency described the move as part of a series of “historic” steps by the Trump administration to strengthen the industry.
Trump has used sectoral and blanket tariffs to boost US manufacturing. In June, he announced the duties on steel and aluminium imports would be doubled from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
