On August 15, 2025, the United States broadened its 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum to cover more than 400 additional product categories, significantly expanding the scope and impact of its trade policy. The additional duties are applied on virtually all imported finished goods made with steel or aluminum, from baby strollers to kitchen appliances to knives and tools.
The new duties became effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on August 18. The newly announced duties apply to the steel and aluminum content of derivative products, meaning that, in addition to raw steel and aluminum, virtually all forms of fixed blades and folding knives are included in the newly expanded product categories found in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. This week, the effects began rippling through the knife industry, leaving members attempting to understand the impacts additional tariffs will have on their businesses.
Canada and Mexico are the biggest exporters of steel to the U.S., with other primary sources including Brazil and South Korea. European steel exporters to the U.S., including those in Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands, will be hard hit by the new 50 percent levy. Knife manufacturers in Europe and producers of equipment will see their products subject to the additional tariffs.
At present, there is no legislative or regulatory pathway available to request exemptions from these tariffs. As further tariff measures and reciprocal actions are anticipated in the coming months, the American Knife and Tool Institute (AKTI) is working to establish a unified industry stance. This effort aims to equip AKTI members with relevant information to share with Congress, the Trump administration, and other key industry stakeholders.
In the interim, we are compiling a list of related news and commentary links that may help AKTI members understand the breadth and width of the additional steel and aluminum tariffs.
Suggested reading
- U.S. Expands Scope of Steel, Aluminum Tariffs (Supply Chain Dive)
- Tariffs 2.0: What U.S. Manufacturers Need to Know (LinkedIn)
- Trade and Commerce Issues (The American Sportfishing Association)
- Swiss Brands Struggle to Adapt (SwissInfo) (Includes information about Victorinox)
- Montana Knife Company Founder Reacts to Tariffs (Gear Junkie)
- FAQs on Steel and Aluminum Tariffs (U.S. Customs and Border Patrol)