The White House announced that multiple goods were added to the existing 50% tariffs on aluminum and steel, including construction materials, paints and varnishes, adhesives, and engine parts, among others.
The United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security published notices informing importers that, as of mid-August, 407 categories of goods containing aluminum and steel would immediately be subject to the 50% tariffs. In early June, the White House announced that it would increase aluminum and steel tariffs on most countries from 25% to 50%.
“[The] 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,” says Jeffrey Kessler, undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security.
The additional products come at a time when architectural metal product prices have steadily risen year over year. According to July’s Producer Price Index, released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ornamental and architectural metalwork prices were up 9.2% in July compared to July 2024. Ornamental and architectural metalwork manufacturers develop architectural metalwork, including handrails, balcony rails, screen doors, window guards and other architectural fittings. Prices for metal windows were up 3.8% year over year, while prices for metal doors and frames were up 5%.
In a Federal Register notice, products added to the aluminum and steel tariffs are described at the eight-digit or 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the United States level. A full list of added HTS codes is listed in Annex I of the Federal Register notice. The list includes several products used by the construction industry, be it paints and varnishes, adhesives, power tools, electric motors, power supplies, electrical cables and wiring, trailers, and more.
The Commerce Department announced that, effective immediately, a 50% tariff applies to the aluminum and steel content of the listed products. At the same time, all non-aluminum and non-steel components remain subject to reciprocal and other applicable tariffs. Items produced in another country using steel melted and poured in the U.S. or aluminum smelted and cast in the U.S. are exempt from the Section 232 tariffs.