On August 19, 2025, the Department of Commerce announced that 407 additional product categories are now subject to Section 232 tariffs on their steel and aluminum content, part of a formal inclusions process published in the Federal Register. Several downstream consumer goods, including stainless-steel flatware, were among the affected categories. Earlier this summer, Section 232 duties on covered steel and aluminum products increased to 50%.
Separately, the federal government ended the long-standing "de minimis" exemption, which previously allowed most imports valued under $800 to enter duty-free. Small parcels from foreign e-commerce sellers will now be subject to tariffs or fixed fees, a change expected to raise costs and extend transit times for many imported consumer goods.
For decades, imported products have undercut U.S. producers, making it nearly impossible to compete on price alone. Recent tariff changes on steel- and aluminum-containing imports are beginning to level the playing field, providing new momentum for U.S. manufacturers like Liberty Tabletop.
On September 1, 2025, Liberty Tabletop was profiled by The Wall Street Journal in the article "American-Made Businesses Are Clamoring to Get on This Tariff List" for its role as the nation's last stainless-steel flatware manufacturer and the potential impact of the new tariff rules on the domestic industry.
President Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to revitalizing American manufacturing, announcing stronger tariff protections and new incentives to encourage companies to bring jobs back to the U.S. His administration has raised Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs to 50%, launched "Liberation Day" tariffs creating a two-tier system to boost domestic production, and introduced investment incentives during Made in America Week to support reshoring efforts and strengthen U.S. manufacturing.
"There is still work to be done. The reciprocal tariffs are being challenged in court by parties that are still hanging on to a globalist agenda or by those who simply have a partisan political agenda. Enforcement, particularly within government procurement, is another issue that needs to be addressed. In the end, the pendulum seems to be swinging back hard in our direction, and I am hopeful that we will continue to see progress that benefits American manufacturing, the American worker, and the many communities that have suffered for decades," said Greg Owens, Co-Founder and Chairman of Sherrill Manufacturing and Liberty Tabletop.
Owens added:
"It's been a stellar moment. This provides us with an opportunity to grow going forward."
"I've worked in this building for nearly 35 years, and for more than 150 years generations of families have worked here as well. My grandfather once stood on this factory floor, as did my mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Today, my wife Alice, my son Andrew, and my brother-in-law Tim are still here, helping to keep our dream alive," said Matthew Roberts, CEO of Sherrill Manufacturing and Liberty Tabletop. "This building is steeped in history and carrying that legacy forward with my family is a profound honor. But beyond our own family story, being able to say our products are completely Made in the USA is more than an honor — it's a living example of the American dream: hard work, opportunity, and the pride of building something lasting right here at home."
Founded in 2005 out of the historic Oneida Ltd. works in Sherrill, New York, Sherrill Manufacturing produces Liberty Tabletop flatware with U.S.-made steel and American labor. The company has seen increased interest from consumers and government agencies that are making a conscious effort to purchase products from American manufacturers, as import-dependent competitors face higher landed costs and shipping uncertainty.
"Made in the USA isn't just what we do, it's who we are. Every step, from start to finish, takes place here in Sherrill, N.Y., something few other manufacturers can truly say. For us, that phrase isn't only about patriotism, it's about our neighborhoods, our jobs, and the quality craftsmanship built by hardworking hands right here. And because every part of our products is Made in the USA, they are not subject to the tariffs that are now raising costs for so many imported goods," added Amity Messett, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Key Points for Customers and Partners
- Liberty Tabletop, the only flatware manufacturer left in the United States, uses U.S.-made steel, 100% poured and forged in America; all production and hand-packaging are completed in Sherrill, NY.
- Expanded Section 232 coverage now includes more than 400 additional product categories containing steel and aluminum; covered goods face a 50% duty.
- The end of the $800 de minimis exemption means many small, imported parcels will incur tariffs or fixed fees.
- Liberty Tabletop does not anticipate tariff-related surcharges due to its fully domestic supply chain.
- President Trump's tariff actions and reshoring incentives underscore the importance of fully domestic supply chains like Liberty's.
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About Liberty Tabletop
Liberty Tabletop is the only flatware brand entirely produced in the United States. Designed, tooled, forged, finished, and hand-packed in Sherrill, New York, Liberty Tabletop products are made with 100% American-poured and forged stainless steel, and even the packaging is sourced and produced in the U.S. Liberty Tabletop represents the strength of American manufacturing.
SOURCE Sherrill Manufacturing
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