The Ripple Effect on Gear Manufacturing

Gear manufacturers rely on high-chromium and high-nickel steels that are crucial for producing high-performance gears in demanding applications such as aerospace, defense, and heavy machinery. However, many of these materials are not made in sufficient quantities or with the required quality within the United States.

In the aerospace industry, for example, gears used in jet engines, turbines, and landing gear systems are often made from Inconel, Hastelloy, and maraging steels—materials known for their strength, oxidation resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures and stresses. In marine applications, offshore drilling rigs, naval vessels, and submarine gears require materials resistant to saltwater corrosion and high pressures, such as 316 stainless steel and Ni-Cr alloys. Similarly, in the oil and gas industry, high-nickel steels like Hastelloy C276 and Inconel are indispensable in drill rigs and pumps subjected to harsh chemicals and high heat. The tariffs will have a domino effect on production timelines and manufacturers may be forced to absorb the higher costs, pass them onto customers, or face reduced sales share in domestic and international markets. This is especially concerning for manufacturers relying on specialized materials to meet stringent performance standards across automotive, power generation, and chemical processing industries.