Guidance: Section 232 Duties on Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper
CBP issues guidance implementing the April 2, 2026 Proclamation imposing 10-50% additional duties on steel, aluminum, and copper articles from all countries. New duties take effect April 6, 2026 for goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse.
What changes
Se imponen aranceles adicionales del 10-50% sobre el valor aduanero total de artículos de acero, aluminio, cobre y sus derivados de TODOS los países. Artículos con menos del 15% del peso en metales aplicables (excepto Capítulos 72, 73, 74 y 76) quedan exentos. Algunos aranceles transitorios aplican hasta el 1 de enero de 2028.
Who is impacted
Importadores, agentes aduanales y despachadores que manejen productos de acero, aluminio, cobre y sus derivados. Afecta especialmente a sectores manufacturero, automotriz, construcción, electrónico y de maquinaria que utilizan estos metales.
Recommended actions
- ›Identificar todas las importaciones que contengan acero, aluminio o cobre y sus derivados según los anexos de la Proclamación
- ›Calcular el porcentaje de peso de metales aplicables para determinar si aplica la exención del 15%
- ›Actualizar sistemas de despacho para incluir los nuevos códigos HTSUS 9903.82.02 a 9903.82.17
- ›Verificar si las mercancías califican para tasas reducidas por origen (Reino Unido) o por fundición/colado en EE.UU.
- ›Reportar el peso agregado de metales aplicables en kg como segunda cantidad cuando se use 9903.82.03
On April 2, 2026, the President issued a Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 significantly strengthening tariffs on metal imports. This measure imposes additional duties of 10% to 50% on the full customs value of steel, aluminum, copper articles and their derivatives from ALL countries, effective April 6, 2026.
The tariff structure is complex and varies by article type and origin. Base aluminum, steel, or copper articles (HTSUS 9903.82.02) are subject to 50% additional duty. UK products with at least 95% of the metal smelted or cast in that country receive reduced rates of 25% (base articles) or 15% (derivatives). Articles made with metals smelted in the US qualify for 10% additional duty or exemption if their column 1 rate is already 10% or higher.
An important exemption applies to articles (except Chapters 72, 73, 74, and 76 of the HTSUS) where the aggregate weight of applicable metals is less than 15% of the total weight of the imported article. When claiming this exemption using HTSUS 9903.82.03, the weight of applicable metals in kilograms must be reported as a second quantity. Articles listed in the annexes that contain no aluminum, steel, or copper content are not subject to these duties.
Crucially, goods classified as derivatives of more than one metal are only subject to ONE of the applicable duty rates, not multiple rates. The rates under headings 9903.82.07, 9903.82.08, 9903.82.10, 9903.82.11, and 9903.82.12 are transitional and will be consolidated under other headings effective January 1, 2028.