The US imposed 50% tariffs on EU steel and aluminium in June, demanding proof of origin for finished products.
Importers must track material origins, creating extra costs on top of baseline tariffs, EU industry representatives say.
Complex Rules Strain Supply Chains
ACEA explained the “melt and pour” rule requires coordination across multiple suppliers, many lacking the needed information.
Parts combining steel, aluminium, and copper fall under several tariff categories, further complicating compliance.
In August, the US added 407 products, including machinery, fire extinguishers, wind turbines, and construction materials.
Industries Face Rising Costs and Administration
ACEA said generic materials for car production now face tariffs, even if automotive-specific products remain exempt.
Some carmakers already experience “substantial” financial impacts while the lobby calculates full sector consequences.
EU exporters report high administrative burdens, extra costs, and uncertainty, CECIMO said in a statement.
EU negotiators failed to secure exemptions in July’s trade deal but continue seeking tariff quotas to ease export burdens.
