Steel & Aluminum Section 232 Tariffs 2026 Guide: HTS Chapters 72, 73 & 76 Import Duties

Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum are the longest-running US trade remedy measures currently in effect — imposed in 2018 under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and expanded multiple times since. For importers of HTS Chapters 72 (Iron & Steel), 73 (Articles of Iron/Steel), and 76 (Aluminum), understanding Section 232 is not optional — it is the difference between a compliant entry and a CBP penalty for underpayment of duties.

Steel: 25% Additional Duty — Chapter 72 & 73

The 25% Section 232 tariff applies to most steel products under HTS Chapters 72 and 73. Unlike anti-dumping duties which target specific countries, Section 232 applies to ALL countries unless they have been specifically exempted or granted a quota. Current exemptions: Australia (unlimited), Argentina (unlimited), Brazil (unlimited), South Korea (quota-limited — 70% of average 2015-2017 import volume), Canada (USMCA), Mexico (USMCA).

Derivative products: In 2024, Section 232 was expanded to cover steel 'derivatives' — downstream products manufactured from steel, including nails, staples, fasteners (7317-7318), and certain wire products. If a product contains steel and is not explicitly excluded, assume Section 232 applies until verified otherwise.

Aluminum: 10% Additional Duty — Chapter 76

The 10% Section 232 tariff applies to unwrought aluminum (7601), bars/rods/profiles (7604), wire (7605), plates/sheets/strip (7606), foil (7607), tubes/pipes (7608), and castings/fittings (7616). Exemptions: Australia (unlimited), Argentina (unlimited), Canada (USMCA), Mexico (USMCA). Unlike steel, aluminum does not have country-specific quotas — countries are either fully exempt or fully subject to the 10% tariff.