Updates to Section 232 Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, Copper (June 2026)

On June 1, 2026, the White House issued a proclamation introducing modifications to the Section 232 tariff regime affecting imports of aluminum, steel, copper, and related derivative products.  These changes, effective from June 8, 2026, through December 31, 2027, expand product coverage and introduce targeted relief measures, with important implications for importers, manufacturers, and supply chains.
The Section 232 tariffs continue to apply broadly to metals and derivative products.  A 25% duty remains the standard rate for most affected imports, with higher rates on certain categories and reduced rate for specific downstream goods.  

Key Highlights Effective June 8

• Targeted Relief for Key Industries
  The U.S. has expanded eligibility for a reduced 15% tariff rate to include agricultural equipment, residential HVAC systems and components, and certain industrial machinery.  
  
  Additional items, such as steel racks and aluminum lithographic plates, are now included as derivative products subject to tariffs.
  
  
• Revised U.S. Content Threshold
  The definition of products “entirely” made with U.S. metals has been relaxed from 95% to 85% content.  
  
  
• Continued Preferential Treatment for Key Trade Partners
  Imports from certain countries - including European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Taiwan - are effectively capped at a 15% total duty outcome, depending on existing tariff rates.
  
  For Canada and Mexico under USMCA, duties only apply to non-U.S. content of covered goods, subject to a minimum effective rate of 15%.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expected to issue guidance regarding the calculation of U.S. content and the application of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)

Please contact your C.H. Robinson representative with any questions.  

Resources

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Updates Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Imports – The White House
Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper into the United States – The White House 

Note: The Proclamation includes reference links to Annex I-A, I-B, I-C, II, III, and IV.