Five Benefits of Purchasing Fasteners from Taiwan After Tariff Increase on Chinese Steel and Aluminum

The White House announced tariffs increase on certain steel and aluminum products under Section 301 from the current 0–7.5% to a substantial 25%. The move is intended to safeguard American workers and businesses from China’s unfair trade practices.

The action aims to strengthen domestic production of steel and aluminum products, promote fair competition, and protect American jobs from the impacts of unfair trade practices. The increase in tariffs are intended to help U.S. manufacturers in several ways.

First, let’s look at the various types of steel and aluminum products manufactured by American companies.

Here are some examples:

Steel Products:

1. Automobiles and Trucks:

   • Body panels

   • Frames and chassis

   • Engine components

   • Exhaust systems

2. Construction Materials:

   • Steel beams and columns

   • Roofing and cladding

   • Structural supports

   • Bridges and infrastructure

3. Industrial Equipment:

   • Machinery frames

   • Conveyor systems

   • Storage tanks and silos

   • Boilers and pressure vessels

4. Consumer Goods:

   • Appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators)

   • Furniture (metal desks, chairs, shelving units)

   • Tools and hardware

Aluminum Products:

1. Aircraft and Aerospace:

   • Fuselage and wing structures

   • Landing gear components

   • Engine parts

2. Automobiles:

   • Body panels and trim

   • Wheels and suspension components

   • Heat exchangers and radiators

3. Building and Construction:

   • Window and door frames

   • Curtain walls and facades

   • Roofing and siding materials

4. Electronics and Electrical Systems:

   • Heat sinks and cooling components

   • Enclosures and casings

   • Connectors and brackets

5. Marine and Boat Building:

   • Hulls and superstructures

   • Deck fittings

   • Masts and rigging

Fasteners are essential components in the manufacturing of these steel and aluminum products. These products rely on a variety of fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, and nuts, to ensure structural integrity and functionality. Distributors have been looking elsewhere to purchase imported fasteners as a way to avoid getting caught in political trade wars.

Here, we list five reasons why American manufacturers should look into sourcing and purchasing fasteners from Taiwan (if they are not already).

1. Taiwan is a major competitor to China in the fastener industry, but without the tariff burden. This means US manufacturers can source fasteners from Taiwan at a more competitive price compared to Chinese options.

2. While Taiwan itself may not be the direct replacement for US steel and aluminum production, increased demand for Taiwanese fasteners can help offset job losses in related industries (e.g., transportation) caused by the decrease in Chinese imports.

3. Taiwan has a strong focus on quality and technological advancement in fastener production. Shifting sourcing to Taiwan can potentially benefit US manufacturers by introducing them to these advancements.

4. Since Taiwan isn't subject to the new tariffs, there's less risk of price hikes for fasteners compared to those imported from China. This can lead to more supply chain stability for US manufacturers.

5. Diversifying fastener imports beyond China can strengthen the US supply chain and reduce dependence on a single source. Taiwan can be a reliable alternative source.

Allow us to source fasteners from Taiwan for your business. We have an extensive network of fastener factories in Taiwan that can offer competitive pricing with high-quality products. Services we provide include: Product Sourcing / Factory Correspondence, Free Quotes, Sample Approval, Supply Chain Management, and Delivery Coordination. Contact us for a quote.

About U.S. Fastener Import & Trading Company:

U.S. Fastener Import & Trading Company (USFITC) is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between overseas fastener manufacturers and American industries. We specialize in sourcing and importing OEM fasteners. We have established a diverse supplier base throughout Asia, ensuring our clients have the right fasteners for their specific needs. We serve a variety of industries including automotive, construction, furniture manufacturing, electronics, marine, renewable energy, agricultural machinery, railways, telecommunications, aerospace, medical device, and dental implants.

Located in the Los Angeles area, we enjoy proximity to the bustling Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and easy access to the dynamic Pacific Rim economies. This strategic advantage allows for efficient goods handling, reduced costs, and a diverse range of high-quality imported products to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers.

Browse our Products page and Specialty/Made-To-Print Archive for parts we have sourced. View our Catalog. And Contact us for a quote.

FACT SHEET: President Biden Takes Action to Protect American Workers and Businesses from China’s Unfair Trade Practices (May 14, 2023)