The global market for bicycles, commercial cookware, and hundreds of other goods is facing a new tariff threat from the United States. Following a highly successful campaign by US firms in August, a new list of 700 products has been submitted to the Commerce Department for inclusion on the “steel derivatives” tariff list.
In August, 407 items were added, hitting products like German combine harvesters. The near-100% success rate of those applications has spurred a new round of demands. US companies like Guardian Bikes are now seeking protection, claiming “severe competition” from China, though the tariff would apply globally.
This move could hit high-performance European brands like Italy’s Pinarello and Bianchi, and the UK’s Brompton. Similarly, US firms American Pan and Chicago Metallic are asking for tariffs on baking pans for bread, muffins, and croissants, claiming China is “flooding the market.”
For European exporters, this creates a state of high alert. They argue this “rolling and growing” list of tariffs undermines their existing trade agreements. Those deals set specific tariff rates, but this new policy would stack additional levies on top of the agreed-upon baseline rates.
A decision on this new 700-item list is expected in December or January, following the October 21 submission deadline. Analysts warn this signals an “expansionist” US policy and creates deep uncertainty for allied economies.