US President Donald Trump has extended tariffs on steel and aluminium to cover hundreds of consumer items, including cosmetics and personal care products.
The fresh levies came into effect on 18 August after being published just two days before without an official announcement or statement from the White House.
A notice on the Federal Register, which is the official record of US government rules, listed 407 additional items that are now considered derivative products of aluminium and steel.
According to international law firm ReedSmith’s Trade Compliance Resource Hub: “The tariff will apply to the value of the aluminum or steel content in the derivative product.
“The non-aluminum or non-steel content will remain subject to any other applicable tariffs, including the reciprocal tariffs.”
Trump’s metals tariffs were raised from 25% to 50% in June, with the exception of imports from the UK, which remained at 25% after the two countries agreed a deal.
Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler said in a statement:
“Today’s action expands the reach of the steel and aluminum tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention – supporting the continued revitalisation of the American steel and aluminum industries.”
A wide range of products are covered by the new tariffs, which are separate to Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.
Brian Baldwin, VP of Customs at Kuehne + Nagel, a global logistics firm, said in a LinkedIn post: “Auto parts, chemicals, plastics, furniture components – basically, if it is shiny, metallic, or remotely related to steel or aluminum, it is probably on the list.”
Baldwin said that the new duty would “hit hard”.
He added: “This is not just another tariff – it is a strategic shift in how steel and aluminum derivatives are regulated.”
The exact cost will depend on how much of the metals are used in the products.
The beauty industry has increased its use of aluminium in packaging in recent years as it is considered a sustainable option due to its recyclability.
The metals affected by tariffs are typically used in tins, aerosols, bottles as well as pump components.