On 4 June 2025, a new customs measure introduced by the US government came into force: customs duties on most steel and aluminium imports were doubled from 25% to 50%. President Donald Trump justified this decision on the grounds of protecting national security and strengthening domestic industry, citing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
The doubling of tariffs on steel and aluminium poses new challenges for companies worldwide. To minimise negative impacts, it is crucial to stay informed about the current regulations and make adjustments to the supply chain if necessary.
The tariff rate increases to 50% for imports of steel and aluminium from all countries except the United Kingdom. For the United Kingdom, the tariff rate will remain at 25% for the time being, subject to a review on 9 July 2025 under the US-UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
The increased tariffs apply to steel and aluminium products and their derivatives imported into the United States from 4 June 2025. Derivatives in the customs area are defined as products obtained from a raw material or basic product.
The order in which tariffs are applied to a product has been adjusted. For example, items that fall under both Section 232 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) will only be subject to one of the additional tariffs.
To implement the tariff rates specified in the respective proclamations, Subchapter III of Chapter 99 of the Harmonised Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) will be amended. This subchapter lists special additional duties levied under trade policy measures such as Section 232, for example on steel and aluminium.
The EU Commission has strongly criticised the announced tariff increase and announced that it will examine possible countermeasures before the summer.
Links:
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Increases Section 232 Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Adjusting Imports of Aluminium and Steel into the United States
Source: