US Bike and Cookware Firms Demand Global Tariffs, Citing China

American companies, from bicycle manufacturers to cookware producers, are demanding new global tariffs on imports, frequently blaming “severe competition” from China. In submissions to the US Commerce Department, firms have requested about 700 new products be added to a “steel derivatives” list for tariffs.
Guardian Bikes, an Indiana firm, claimed the US bike industry “was lost” due to 11 million imports, specifically citing China. Likewise, kitchen companies American Pan and Chicago Metallic complained that China was “flooding the market” with low-cost commercial baking pans, giving them an “unfair” advantage.
However, if these requests are approved, the new tariffs will apply globally. This means exporters from allied nations, such as the UK’s Brompton bikes or Italy’s Pinarello and Bianchi brands, would be hit just as hard. This has European industry leaders on high alert.
The concern is that these new levies will be stacked on top of existing trade deals. The UK and EU have already reluctantly reconciled themselves to high baseline and steel tariffs. Exporters say this new “derivative” list makes a mockery of those agreements by adding another layer of taxes.
With a near-100% success rate for the 407 items added in a previous round, it is widely expected this new list will be approved. A decision from the Commerce Department is anticipated in December or January, escalating trade tensions worldwide.