On February 10, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation adjusting imports of steel into the United States.
WHITE HOUSE REINSTATES 25% TARIFF ON STEEL IMPORTS, NO EXEMPTIONS OR ALTERNATIVE AGREEMENTS
This action reinstates a 25% tariff on steel imports, removing previous exemptions and alternative agreements with countries such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
The proclamation emphasizes that these measures are necessary to address the significant increase in steel imports, which have risen to nearly 30% of U.S. consumption in 2024, and to counteract global excess capacity projected to reach approximately 630 million metric tons by 2026. The administration aims to revitalize the domestic steel industry and ensure sustainable capacity utilization of at least 80%, thereby safeguarding national security interests.
SECTION 232 TARIFFS ELIMINATING LOOPHOLES AND EXEMPTIONS
In conjunction with this proclamation, the White House released a fact sheet on February 11, 2025, detailing the restoration of Section 232 tariffs. The document outlines the administration’s commitment to eliminating loopholes and exemptions that have previously undermined the effectiveness of these tariffs.
SECTION 232 PORTAL TEMPORARILY OUT OF SERVICE
Pursuant to Presidential Proclamation, Commerce is no longer processing Section 232 Exclusion Requests effective 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 10, 2025. Section 232 Exclusions that have already been granted will remain effective until their expiration date or until their excluded volume is exhausted, whichever occurs first. Pending Section 232 Exclusion Requests should be assumed void pending their rejection and/or denial by Commerce.
The Section 232 Exclusions Portal is temporarily out of service to effectuate these changes. Commerce will restore public access as soon as possible. Â For further questions, please contact the Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Exclusions Support Inboxes.
Message issued by the BIS Section 232 Steel & Aluminum Team | U.S. Department of Commerce
Key reforms include applying strict “melted and poured” standards, expanding tariffs to encompass key downstream products, and cracking down on tariff misclassification and duty evasion schemes. The fact sheet underscores the administration’s intent to end unfair trade practices and global dumping of steel and aluminum, which have been detrimental to the U.S. economy and national security.
By reinstating these tariffs, the administration seeks to bolster America’s critical steel and aluminum industries, ensuring their ability to meet demand for national defense and critical infrastructure needs.
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