International Trade News April 2026
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Steel, Aluminum and Copper Sec 232 Tariffs
Updated Shipper Considerations – Effective April 7, 2026
As of April 6, 2026, the U.S. government significantly expanded Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper imports.
Under new U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance (CSMS #68253075), additional duties now apply to the full customs value of covered metal articles and certain derivative products, replacing prior metal-content-only valuation methods.
Key Impacts for Importers and Exporters
- Section 232 duties now apply to the entire entered value of covered products, regardless of how much metal is contained in the article.
- Steel, aluminum, and copper are consolidated into a single tariff framework.
- Products containing more than one covered metal are subject to only one Section 232 duty rate.
- Products classified outside HTSUS Chapters 72, 73, 74, and 76 are excluded if covered metals account for less than 15% of total product weight.
Current Section 232 Duty Categories
- 50% Additional Duty – Applies to most steel, aluminum, and copper articles and certain derivatives listed in Annex I-A. Duty applies to the full entered value.
- 25% Additional Duty – Applies to certain derivative articles listed in Annex I-B that are substantially made of covered metals.
- 15% Transitional Duty (Through December 31, 2027) – Applies to specific metal-intensive industrial and electrical grid equipment listed in Annex III.
- 0% Additional Duty – Applies to products under the 15% metal threshold or otherwise excluded from coverage.
Metal Origin Still Matters
Duty treatment may depend on where the metal was melted and poured (steel) or smelted and cast (aluminum or copper).
Certain derivative articles made entirely with U.S.-origin metal may qualify for reduced duty treatment, when properly documented.
Documentation Best Practices
Commercial invoices should clearly state:
- Whether steel, aluminum, or copper is present or not present
- Metal composition and weight, when applicable
- Melt/pour or smelt/cast details when claiming reduced rates