New U.S. Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper take effect today, April 6, 2026. President Trump signed the overhaul on April 2. Duties now apply to the full customs value of imports instead of only metal content.
The policy sets a 50% tariff for products composed almost entirely of these metals. Derivative goods face a 25% rate. Industrial and electrical grid equipment will carry a temporary 15% tariff through 2027.
The energy sector faces higher construction costs for pipelines, LNG terminals, and drilling equipment. These expenses affect the financial viability of projects tracked by the VDE ETF. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports the changes intensify existing supply-chain and input cost pressures.