Europe’s steel industry is facing growing uncertainty as the United States considers expanding tariffs to include “derivative” products. Items such as windows, doors, and furniture with metal components could soon face duties, raising costs for manufacturers across the EU and UK.
The tariffs, originally designed to limit Chinese steel imports, have already placed heavy pressure on European producers. Under Donald Trump’s policy, steel tariffs reached 50%, up from 25%, in June 2025. While intended to boost US steel production, the rules also affect products that contain steel or aluminium, including household and industrial goods.
In August, the US listed 407 categories of derivative products, ranging from wind turbines and mobile cranes to rail cars and furniture. European business leaders fear the list will continue to expand without clear limits, creating further uncertainty for companies already grappling with high costs and disrupted supply chains.
The US launched a new consultation on derivative products on 15 September, with responses due by 29 September. Many European manufacturers see this as an effort to increase, rather than reduce, the list of products subject to tariffs.
Luisa Santos, deputy director general at BusinessEurope, the confederation of European industry organisations, said the relationship with the US was “becoming quite turbulent.” She warned that even small amounts of metal in products such as motorbikes, tables, or window frames could now trigger tariffs, making it difficult for companies to plan and operate with certainty.
The UK, which negotiated a lower steel tariff before its EU deal, is seeking clarification from Washington on which additional products could be affected. Trade unions and British Steel have urged the government to rally support for the UK’s steel sector. They argue that backing home-produced steel will protect jobs and maintain infrastructure across the country.
Eurofer, the European steel trade association, highlighted the wider impact of tariffs. The group called for new measures to protect the EU steel industry, stressing that manufacturing jobs and European competitiveness are at risk.
German MEP Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament’s international trade committee, warned that derivative tariffs are already harming several industries, including motorcycles. During a recent factory visit, he found that producers struggled to document the steel and aluminium content in vehicles, even down to nuts and bolts that may contain Chinese steel. Under current rules, tariffs are applied based on the value of steel and aluminium, and uncertainty forces companies to declare the highest rate of 50% to avoid penalties, which can reach 200% for underreporting.
The new rules and potential expansion of the derivative list make it challenging for manufacturers to explain the EU-US deal as beneficial to workers and investors. Many fear further redundancies in a sector already affected by overcapacity and foreign competition.
EU steel companies stress that continued uncertainty could ripple across the broader manufacturing sector. Products incorporating steel are used in construction, transport, and consumer goods, meaning tariffs could increase costs for businesses and consumers alike.
As the US continues to consult on the derivative product list, European industries are bracing for the next wave of potential trade disruptions. Without clear guidance, the threat of higher tariffs could impact planning, investment, and long-term competitiveness across multiple sectors.
The combination of existing punitive tariffs, unclear rules, and an expanding list of products leaves the EU steel industry in a precarious position, highlighting the growing tension between European manufacturers and US trade policies.
