Section 232 tariffs impose 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports. Understand which products are covered, available exclusions, and how these tariffs affect your material costs.
The Section 232 tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) were imposed under national security authority to protect domestic production capacity. Unlike most tariffs which target specific countries, Section 232 applies broadly to imports from virtually all countries, with some exceptions via tariff rate quotas. For downstream manufacturers who import steel and aluminum as raw materials, these tariffs directly increase input costs and affect competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
While Section 232 tariffs protect domestic steel and aluminum producers, they increase costs for the much larger number of US manufacturers that use these metals as inputs. Industries including automotive, construction, appliances, and consumer goods all face higher material costs. The tariffs have led to domestic steel prices that are often 20-30% above global benchmark prices, affecting any business that purchases steel or aluminum products.
Businesses can apply for product-specific exclusions for steel or aluminum that is not sufficiently available from domestic sources. The exclusion process has become more streamlined over time but still requires detailed documentation of product specifications, volume needs, and evidence that domestic producers cannot meet the requirement. Approved exclusions refund the Section 232 tariff for the specified product and quantity.
Section 232 imposes a 25% tariff on most imported steel products entering the US. This applies to a broad range of steel articles including slabs, sheet, plate, bar, rod, pipe, tube, and structural shapes. The tariff was imposed under national security authority and applies in addition to any MFN rate or other tariffs.
Section 232 imposes a 10% tariff on imported aluminum products. This covers raw aluminum (unwrought), aluminum plate, sheet, strip, foil, bars, profiles, wire, tubes, and other aluminum articles. Like the steel tariff, it applies on top of existing MFN rates.
Country exemptions have changed over time. As of 2026, some countries have negotiated tariff rate quotas (TRQs) that allow a certain volume of steel or aluminum to enter at the MFN rate before the Section 232 tariff applies. Countries with active TRQs include several EU member states, the UK, Japan, and others. Canada and Mexico face their own arrangement under USMCA. Check our tool for the latest country-specific status.
Yes. The Commerce Department accepts exclusion requests for specific steel and aluminum products that are not produced in sufficient quantity or quality domestically. The process involves filing a request on the Federal Register portal, a 30-day objection period, and a decision within 90-180 days. Approved exclusions are valid for one year and can be renewed.
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