Skip to main content

New Tariff Regulations on Aluminum Imports

By

 On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order – "Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States".  A fact sheet is available HERE.  With the Executive Order (EO), President Trump announced the elimination of all country exemptions, tariff-rate quotas, and absolute quotas for aluminum imports. 

Effective March 12, 2025, all imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles will now be subject to a 25% ad valorem tariff.  This increase from the previous 10% tariff applies to imports from all countries except Russia, which continues to face a 200% tariff.  Furthermore, new derivative aluminum articles will be subject to a 25% tariff, thereby increasing import restrictions.  Currently, the summary of new derivative aluminum products is not available.  Once the list is published, we will distribute it to members.  However, the EO explicitly stated that the entirety of HTS Chapter 76 would be included.  Review Chapter 76 Aluminum and Articles Thereof HERE.

The proclamation also mandates that the product exclusion process will be terminated.  Current product exclusions will remain in effect until their expiration date or until the excluded product volume is imported, with no renewals post-termination.  Importers are now required to provide detailed information to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding the aluminum content used in manufacturing the imported derivative articles.  The Department of Commerce has been directed to establish a process for covering additional derivative aluminum articles within 90 days, ensuring that any new requests from domestic producers or industry associations are addressed promptly.

Furthermore, CBP has been instructed to prioritize the classification reviews of imported aluminum articles to prevent misclassification and avoid duty evasion by importers.  Any evidence of such evasion will result in maximum monetary penalties and possible inclusion of processed or altered articles within the tariff scope.  Underlining the seriousness of these changes, the 25% duty will be in addition to any other duties, including the anti-dumping and countervailing duties on aluminum extrusions from China.  This development underscores the government's commitment to protecting domestic aluminum producers and ensuring a fair-trade environment.

The Exclusion process has ended as per the EO.  A total of 204MMlbs. of requests were submitted: 141MMlbs. denied, 1.2MMlbs. granted, and 62MMlbs. still open.  We are currently collaborating with the Department of Commerce to clarify the status of the open requests and determine any necessary actions.

As we continue to move forward, the AEC and its members are actively engaged in discussions with the Administration to ensure equal opportunities for all.  We appreciate everyone who is diligently supporting the progress of our industry. 

Looking ahead, if you wish to participate in the Fair Trade Committee or join the AEC's Government Affairs initiatives, please reach out to us.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Section 232 Implications: Get the Latest

By
 Recently, the AEC released a detailed fact sheet outlining the implications of Section 232 tariffs on aluminum imports, available for review on our website here. This document underscores our ongoing commitment to transparency and informed decision-making within our member base. Previously, we updated the 232 Derivative Products List to include a comprehensive breakdown of HTSUS codes and product descriptions, aimed at providing clarity for our stakeholders accessible here . Additionally, The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce established a formal process for the addition of aluminum products designated the USHTS codes. The first window for submission opened on May 1, 2025, and closed on May 15, 2025. After the posting and public comment period occurs the BIS will make a final determination within 60 days. In addition to these regulatory updates, the Trump Administratio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Valuation, USMCA, and Fair Trade Priorities

By
 The primary focus of our government affairs work at this moment centers on the Section 232 valuation issue currently under discussion in Washington, D.C.  As highlighted during the recent Aluminum Summit and in prior AEC communications, there remains uncertainty regarding how the Administration intends to resolve this matter. The original Executive Order that established the Section 232 aluminum tariffs made clear that the tariffs were intended to apply to the full value of the imported aluminum extrusion, not solely the value of the aluminum content within the product.  At this time, it remains unclear whether the Administration will seek to address the issue by issuing a new Executive Order or by providing additional interpretive guidance through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  The AEC is actively monitoring these discussions and will update members as soon as a definitive course of action emerges. Parallel to the valuation discussions, attention is tur...
Post a Comment
Read more

Adjustments to the 232 Tariffs

By
 On June 3, 2025, an Executive Order (EO) was issued adjusting the Section 232 tariff on aluminum and aluminum derivative products (DPL) from 25% to 50%.  In addition to the adjustment in the 232 tariff, the EO also contains language that adjusts how the 232 tariff is applied. The following is a summary of the key points.  Aluminum and aluminum derivative products within HTS Ch. 76 and outside HTS Ch. 76: the 50% duty applies only to the aluminum content.  Any non-aluminum content in these products will be subject to the reciprocal tariff (currently at 10%).  This is a change from the February 10, 2025, EO for aluminum and aluminum derivative products in HTS Ch. 76 where the 232 tariff was applied to the full value of the product.  With the most recent EO, the 232 tariff now applies only to the aluminum content and the 10% reciprocal tariff applies to the non-aluminum content.  The current EO also changes how the 232 Auto tariffs, 232 aluminum tariffs ...
Post a Comment
Read more