Workers' protection from ionizing radiation risks is now being addressed by a proposed directive from the Commission, aiming to align laws across Member States.
The U.S. government has raised tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, escalating them from the initial 25% to 50%. These tariffs, effective from early June, affect a wide range of products, including motorcycles, mopeds, door and window frames, sports equipment, cranes, railway wagons, and more [1].
Motorcycles and Mopeds
From August 19, 2025, electric bicycles and mopeds (HTS 8711.60) will be subject to a 50% Section 232 tariff on steel content, except for imports from the UK, which face a 25% tariff. Importers must calculate and report the steel content’s value for these tariffs [2]. This tariff escalation is expected to drive up costs, squeeze profit margins, and complicate supply chains for manufacturers and brands [4]. U.S. imports of motorcycles and mopeds with relevant steel content will face increased costs, potentially weakening demand or prompting shifts in sourcing and manufacturing to avoid these levies.
Door Frames and Other Steel/Aluminum Products
The tariffs target the steel and aluminum content specifically, including door frames made primarily of these metals. The increased tariff applies only to the value of steel or aluminum in the product, not to the entire product value [1]. Manufacturers of steel/aluminum door frames face higher input costs due to these tariffs, which could increase the retail price or reduce manufacturers’ margins.
In the EU, while tariffs on steel and aluminum remain at 50%, a newly agreed U.S.-EU trade framework sets a 15% tariff ceiling on all EU exports currently subject to reciprocal tariffs, which includes manufactured goods such as door frames. This could moderate tariff impact on EU-origin door frames exported to the U.S. in the near term [3][5].
Broader Manufacturer Impacts
The increased tariffs exacerbate cost pressures for industries dependent on steel and aluminum inputs, including motorcycles, mopeds, and construction products such as door frames. In the EU, though tariffs remain high on steel and aluminum, the trade deal framework aims to establish tariff rate quotas at historical levels and lower tariffs on many related products to promote fairer competition [3][5].
Industry responses include efforts to upgrade product lines, transform supply chains, and in some cases, relocate manufacturing or final assembly closer to markets to reduce tariff burdens [4].
Summary Table of Impacts
| Product Category | U.S. Impact | EU Impact | Manufacturer Response | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Motorcycles & Mopeds | 50% tariff on steel content; higher import costs; margin pressure | EU exports face 15% tariff ceiling under new deal | Absorb costs, relocate production, raise prices | | Door Frames | Increased cost due to steel/aluminum tariffs (value-based) | Tariffs remain high but moderated by tariff rate quotas | Supply chain changes, product upgrades | | Manufacturers Overall | Cost pressure, complexity in sourcing and pricing | Trade deal offers some tariff relief but steel/aluminum tariffs persist | Invest in supply chain upgrades, consider new factories |
The new tariffs could result in significant cost increases for importers. Economists expect noticeable effects on consumers due to increased costs when purchasing cars, kitchen appliances, or canned goods. The U.S. is the most important sales market for the European steel industry [6]. The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has imposed 50% tariffs on 407 product categories, effective from the beginning of June [7]. It is unclear who is responsible for determining the steel and aluminum content of the products - typically, importers are responsible for providing the correct explanation to customs authorities [8].
References: 1. Source 1 2. Source 2 3. Source 3 4. Source 4 5. Source 5 6. Source 6 7. Source 7 8. Source 8
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