Trump’s team considers overhaul to steel and aluminum tariffs

Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The Trump administration is considering an overhaul of steel and aluminum tariffs that is in part likely to reduce levies on many consumer goods, according to people familiar with the administration’s plans. The U.S.

currently charges a 50% tariff on the steel and aluminum in most imported products. Under the new plan being considered, steel and aluminum products would be sorted into groups with different rates based on the metal content in the product, some of the people said. The plan would also make the tariff apply to the entire cost of the import, according to the people familiar with the administration’s plans.

Currently, the tariff only applies to the value of the steel and aluminum in a product. Under the plan, which isn’t final, many consumer-facing goods with small amounts of steel and aluminum—for example, some kitchen accessories—would be assigned lower tariffs, potentially 15%. The lower tariff rate would be applied to the value of the entire product.

Other products, potentially factory machinery, appliance parts that contain additional metals, such as copper, and other intermediate goods, could receive a 25% tariff. Some goods made nearly entirely of steel or aluminum, particularly industrial products and building materials, would be subject to a 50% tariff on the full cost of the item. For such products made nearly entirely with the metals—such as beams, pipes and chains—the amount paid in tariffs could actually be higher than it is currently, as the tariff would be charged on the full value of a product, not just its steel or aluminum content.