The Digester
politics

Trump lowers tariffs on metal derivatives to 15% while retaining 50% on base metals

A presidential proclamation keeps a 50% Section 232 duty on base steel, aluminum and copper but lowers levies on certain equipment and low-metal-content derivatives to 15% through 2027.

Apr 2nd 2026 ยท United States

Insights

  • President Trump signed a proclamation maintaining a 50% Section 232 tariff on steel, aluminum and copper imports applied to prices paid by American customers.
  • Tariffs on certain industrial equipment and electrical grid components will be cut from 50% to 15% until 2027.
  • Products with less than 15% metal content by weight are excluded from the 50% derivative tariff.
  • The proclamation aims to simplify compliance and prevent manipulation of import values.

Sources