Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs on the Rise

Jun.3, 2025
By: Hannah B. Kreinik

The Trump Administration just published a Presidential Proclamation increasing steel and aluminum duties under Section 232 from 25% to 50% starting on June 4th (please see our articles covering the original steel and aluminum duties back in March). Federal Register notice is not yet available.

The proclamation increases the duties for goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from a warehouse starting at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on June 4, 2025. Unlike the first Section 232 duties against steel and aluminum, this proclamation carved out an exception for the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) reached on May 8, 2025. Steel and aluminum products from the UK will remain at 25% until July 9, 2025. At that time, the Secretary of Commerce may adjust the duty rate, create import quotas based on the terms of the EPD, or move the UK duty rate up to 50% if the UK is not in compliance with the agreement. Outside the UK caveat, the proclamation closely follows similar proclamations increasing tariffs. No duty drawback is permitted, provisions are provided for goods entered into FTZs under privileged foreign and domestic status, CBP may take appropriate actions to administer the tariffs, and the Secretary of Commerce (in consultation with the International Trade Commission) can modify the HTSUS as needed through the Federal Register.

The proclamation mentions Annexes I-III (from previous steel and aluminum orders); however, it is unclear if any changes will be made to the annexes. The proclamation extends the non-stacking tariff order from May 2nd to cover the increased steel and aluminum duties (please see our article here). With that said, the proclamation says that non-steel and non-aluminum content of steel and aluminum derivative products will be subject to reciprocal tariffs. The additional duties will only apply to derivative goods' steel and aluminum content.

Barnes, Richardson & Colburn attorneys are ready to rise to the occasion and answer your burning questions on Section 232 duties.