The U.S. Commerce Department has expanded steel and aluminium tariffs on Tuesday, to include more than 400 products, aiming to protect domestic industries.

The new tariffs target items such as wind turbines, mobile cranes, bulldozers, railcars, furniture, compressors, pumps, and imported automotive parts including exhaust system components and electrical steel for electric vehicles.

Some foreign automakers had opposed the inclusion of these automotive parts, citing insufficient domestic capacity to meet demand. The tariffs take effect immediately.

"Today’s action expands the reach of the steel and aluminium tariffs and shuts down avenues for circumvention – supporting the continued revitalisation of the American steel and aluminium industries," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Jeffrey Kessler.

Steelmakers, including Cleveland Cliffs, had petitioned the administration to extend the tariffs to additional auto parts.

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