US President Donald Trump has ordered adjustments to tariffs on steel, aluminium and copper imports, aiming to reduce duties on certain derivative products, streamline compliance procedures and limit manipulation of declared import values. Moreover, the changes are intended to support industrial expansion while maintaining the broader protection framework under Section 232.
Core metals tariffs remain at 50%
The White House said the proclamation maintains a 50% import duty on steel, aluminium and copper under Section 232 of the Trade Act of 1974. Additionally, the tariff will apply to the prices paid by American customers, reinforcing the administration’s stance on protecting domestic metals production.
Reduced tariffs introduced for key industrial components
The White House said tariffs on certain industrial equipment and electrical grid components that contain significant quantities of these metals will be reduced. Furthermore, the duty on these products will fall from 50% to 15% until 2027, a move designed to accelerate industrial expansion and infrastructure development.
Derivative product rules revised
A senior official said the adjustments also include eliminating the previous 50% tariff on derivative products made from steel, aluminium and copper when the metal content is less than 15% by weight. Therefore, the revised framework aims to simplify tariff application while tightening oversight on import value declarations.
