Trade experts are warning of an “expansionist” US policy on tariffs as the Commerce Department considers adding another 700 items to its list of taxed “steel derivatives.” This move follows a consultation that ended on October 21, the second in just three months, which has allowed US companies to nominate foreign goods for new import levies.
George Riddell, a senior adviser at Flint Global, noted that the US has taken a “very liberal, expansive approach” to these requests. He pointed out that the first round of requests in August saw “almost zero requests for inclusion rejected,” fueling fears that this new, larger list will also be rubber-stamped.
This “rolling and growing list” is causing deep uncertainty for international partners, including the UK and the EU. Riddell stated that the move highlights “the uncertainty in the relationship with the UK and the EU despite having these deals.” These partners had already reluctantly agreed to new trade frameworks with higher border taxes, only to see them potentially undermined.
The core issue for exporters is that goods containing steel—from bicycles to baking trays—could soon face the high steel tariff rate on top of the standard baseline rate for the entire product. This “tariff stacking” effectively punishes manufacturers in allied nations.
US companies like Guardian Bikes and Red Gold are driving the requests, arguing they face unfair competition. However, the global result is a trade environment that many now see as unpredictable and increasingly protectionist, with a formal decision on the new 700 items expected by January.