New Section 232 tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and copper took effect today, April 6, 2026. The Trump administration announced the policy update on April 2 to change how duties are calculated. Tariffs now apply to the full customs value of imported goods instead of only the metal content.
The new tiered system imposes a 50% tariff on products made almost entirely of the targeted metals. Derivative goods with more than 15% metal content by weight are now included. These products are subject to a 25% tariff. Products with 15% or less metal content are exempt from these specific duties.
Domestic metal producers support the move to prevent importers from using low pricing to evade taxes. Conversely, downstream manufacturers in the industrial and aerospace sectors face higher input costs. These changes may increase prices for finished goods and pressure profit margins across the U.S. industrial sector.