In a recent proclamation, President Donald J. Trump addressed the import of steel into the United States, implementing measures aimed at adjusting duty rates on steel articles. The announcement builds on prior discussions and agreements with several countries regarding steel imports.
President Joe Biden had previously concluded discussions or agreed on measures with countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, South Korea, the European Union (EU), Japan, and the United Kingdom (UK). These agreements focused on finding alternative solutions to address threats to national security posed by steel imports. Notably, Biden exempted Ukrainian steel from tariffs due to close relations between the two nations.
In July 2024, President Biden highlighted a significant increase in Mexican steel imports compared to previous levels noted in Proclamation 9894. As a response, he imposed a melt and pour requirement for Mexican steel products and increased the section 232 duty rate for certain imports from Mexico.
The U.S. government will monitor these actions' effectiveness in meeting national security needs and may revisit these determinations if necessary.
Trump's proclamation includes modifications to duty rates for imported steel articles. "All steel articles imports covered by heading 9903.80.01...shall be subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty," according to the document. This applies to goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses under specific conditions outlined in the proclamation.
Furthermore, derivative aluminum and steel articles face additional duties as described in Annex I and Annex II of the proclamation. The new rates apply alongside existing duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to imported derivative articles.
The Secretary is authorized to issue regulations consistent with this proclamation to address operational necessities. Any conflicting provisions from previous proclamations or Executive Orders are superseded by this new directive.
