US Expands Steel Tariffs to Include Washing Machines and More

A range of imported home appliances, including dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, and other products, will be subject to US President Donald Trump’s expanded steel tariffs starting later this month.

Now set at 50% for most countries, the duties will apply to additional “steel-derived products” as of June 23, says the US Department of Commerce. 

The expansion comes amid ongoing tensions related to international trade, following Trump’s pledge to respond to the European Union’s threat to impose counter-tariffs amounting to €26 billion (US$28 billion) starting in April.

This marks the second time the US government has widened its list of products subject to additional duties, after adding nearly 300 product categories, ranging from horseshoes to excavator blades, just before the first-round tariff hikes in March.

This time, the list includes combination fridge-freezers, small and large dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, vertical and horizontal refrigerators, stoves and ovens, food waste disposers, and welded wire mesh.

President Trump explains that these additional measures are meant to protect the country’s national security by reducing its reliance on steel imports. “The tariff applies to these products based on their steel content,” reads the publication.