Section 232: aluminum, steel, and copper

President Trump signed another proclamation on June 01, 2026, that once again adjusted the existing tariff measures under «Section-232» (Trade Expansion Act of 1962) for aluminum, steel, and copper imports.

The new regulations will take effect on June 8, 2026, and adjust the tariffs originally introduced through proclamation 9704 (aluminum), proclamation 10962 (steel), and proclamation 10962 (copper). This new proclamation does not provide for any transitional arrangement; what matters is the customs entry into the USA, not the shipping, departure, or dispatch date.

The tariffs are calculated based on the total customs value of the imported steel, aluminum, and copper products, as well as their derivative products. This regulation thus differs from the original practice in place until now: For many derivative products, duties were previously levied only on the declared value of the metal content. It is also important to note that the list of derivative products is not fixed; it can be expanded at any time.

tariff levels (ad valorem)

Annex I-A: 50% additional tariff – Entirely made of metal
Goods consisting entirely of aluminum, steel, or copper are now subject to a flat tariff rate of 50% on the total customs value.

Exceptions:

• For goods of UK origin, the additional tariff is 25%
• For goods with metal content melted or cast in the USA, the additional tariff is 10%

Annex I-B: 25% additional tariff – Predominantly manufactured from metal
Further-processed products (derivative products) that consist predominantly of steel, aluminum, or copper are now subject to a 25% levy on the total customs value.

Exceptions:

• For goods of UK origin, the additional tariff is 15%
• For goods with metal content melted or cast in the USA, the additional tariff is 10%

Annex I-C: 25% additional duty with country-specific exceptions  

Processed products (“derivative products”), as defined in this annex, are now subject to a 25% duty on the total customs value. 

Exception:  

• For goods originating in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the EU, the UK, Japan, and other countries listed in the proclamation, the additional duty is 15% (all-in)
• For goods containing metal that was smelted or cast in the United States, the additional duty is 10% 

Annex II: 0% additional tariff – Removed from the scope of Section 232 derivatives for steel and aluminum
Products in Annex II are not subject to Section 232 tariffs on metals. This applies in particular to previously covered derivative products with only minimal metal content. Motorcycle parts imported exclusively for use in the manufacture of motorcycles are also exempt.

Annex III : Maximum 15% additional tariff – Metal-intensive equipment (temporary reduction)
Certain metal-intensive industrial facilities and equipment for electrical grid infrastructure are subject to an additional tariff of maximum 15% (all-in) until December 31, 2027, to support the ongoing expansion of the US industrial base.

Exception:

• For goods with metal content melted or cast in the USA, the additional tariff is 10%

Annex IV: 0% additional duty – de minimis exemption for metal content below 15% 

Goods that are not classified under Chapters 72, 73, 74, or 76 are exempt from the additional duties under Section 232, provided that the weight of the relevant metal in each case is less than 15% of the total weight of the imported product.

For the import declaration, the total weight of the relevant metal(s) must be stated in kilograms (kg).

The US additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper content apply to all third countries. The non-preferential rules of origin of the USA apply.

Note: The current additional tariffs can be accessed at any time in the Customs Database. Updates are generally made on a specific date basis; however, in the event of short-term changes, they may be delayed by up to one working day.

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