The US imposed 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium in June, demanding proof of origin for finished products.
Importers now face extra costs on top of existing tariffs, industry representatives warn.
Companies Struggle with Complex Rules
ACEA said the “melt and pour” rule requires tracing steel and aluminium through multiple supplier tiers.
Suppliers often cannot provide accurate origin data, making compliance difficult.
Parts containing steel, aluminium, and copper fall under multiple tariff categories, increasing complexity.
In August, the US added 407 product categories, including machinery, turbines, fire extinguishers, and construction materials.
Financial Impact Hits Automotive and Manufacturing
ACEA reported generic materials vital for car production now face tariffs, causing “substantial” financial strain.
EU cars already pay 15% tariffs under the August EU-US trade agreement.
CECIMO said tariffs raise costs, increase uncertainty, and create heavy paperwork for machine tool exporters.
The EU failed to secure steel and aluminium exemptions but hopes to negotiate tariff rate quotas with the US.
