Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States

Key Points

• Trump is modifying tariff rates on imported metal products (aluminum, steel, and copper derivatives) under Section 232 national security authority. The changes create a tiered system: 50% on primary metal products, 25% on most derivatives, and a reduced 15% rate on certain categories like fixed industrial machinery.
• Imported farm equipment and residential HVAC systems (like home air conditioning units) will now get the lower 15% tariff rate instead of the higher 25% rate. This is meant to help farmers and homeowners who rely on these products.
• Mobile industrial equipment and machinery (like construction and material-handling equipment) will get temporarily reduced tariff rates through the end of 2027, with rates varying by country of origin. Products from allies like the EU, Japan, UK, and others get a rate as low as 15%, while most other countries face 25%.
• The threshold to qualify as 'made from American metal' is being lowered from 95% to 85%. This makes it easier for manufacturers to earn tariff breaks even when using a small share of imported metal in their products.
• The government is closing loopholes by adding aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks to the tariff list as derivative products. These items were previously not covered, potentially allowing companies to dodge metal tariffs.
• The new tariff rates take effect June 8, 2026, and the temporary reductions on mobile industrial equipment expire December 31, 2027, after which higher rates from the April 2026 proclamation will apply.