The Trump administration is overhauling how metals tariffs are applied under Section 232, keeping headline rates high while narrowing and tiering their scope. Goods made mostly of steel, aluminum or copper will still face steep duties, but some derivative and low-metal-content products will see lower or no tariffs.
Key Takeaways
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Tiered tariff structure: Imports made almost entirely of steel, aluminum or copper will continue to face a 50% tariff, while derivative products “substantially made” of those metals are set at 25%, with metal content below 15% now exempt from Section 232 duties.
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Country and sector carve-outs: Targeted relief: Steel and aluminum from the U.K. will face lower rates, and existing deals with partners like the EU, Japan and South Korea remain intact, while some industrial and grid equipment get a time-limited 15% rate and U.S.-made metal goods imported back face a 10% levy.
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Wider Section 232 reach: Beyond base metals: The administration is continuing to use Section 232 for a broader set of products, from autos and furniture to ongoing probes into aircraft, robotics and medical devices, signaling that tariff-based national security tools remain central to its trade strategy.
