President Slaps Tariffs on Aluminum to Shield National Security
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is updating its rules on aluminum imports to protect national security. Some countries will see changes in tariffs or import limits starting soon, aiming to keep American aluminum industries strong and secure. These moves could affect prices and trade deals, so businesses and countries involved should pay close attention.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 8 costs, 0 mixed.
Aluminum Tariff Raised to 25%
As of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025, the additional ad valorem tariff on aluminum articles is increased from 10 percent to 25 percent. The proclamation amends Proclamation 9704 and Proclamation 9980 to apply the revised 25 percent rate on covered aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles.
Excluded Country Agreements End
Proclamations that provided alternative arrangements or exclusions for Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, EU countries, and the United Kingdom shall be ineffective as of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025. As of that date, imports of aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles from those sources will be subject to the additional ad valorem tariffs, including the revised 25 percent rate.
Russia-Sourced Aluminum Subject to 200% Duty
The proclamation states that all imports of derivative aluminum articles that are the product of Russia, or that use any amount of primary aluminum smelted in Russia or are cast in Russia, shall be subject to the 200 percent ad valorem rate of duty established in Proclamation 10522, effective on or after the Commerce certification date. The 200 percent duty applies in addition to other duties and charges.
Product Exclusion Process Terminated
The proclamation terminates the product exclusion process authorized under Proclamation 9704, Proclamation 9776, and Proclamation 9980 and provides that no new product exclusion requests will be considered. Granted exclusions remain effective until their expiration date or until excluded product volume is imported, and all general approved exclusions shall be ineffective as of March 12, 2025.
CBP To Prioritize Reviews and Enforce Penalties
CBP shall prioritize reviews of classification for imported aluminum articles and derivative aluminum articles and, if it discovers misclassification that resulted in loss of duty revenue, shall assess monetary penalties in the maximum amount permitted by law. CBP will also notify the Secretary regarding suspected duty-evasion efforts.
Process for Adding Derivative Articles
Within 90 days of the proclamation date, the Secretary must establish a process to include additional derivative aluminum articles within the scope of the ad valorem duties. A U.S. producer or industry association may request inclusion, and the Secretary will issue a determination within 60 days of receiving such a request.
Foreign-Trade Zone Rules Changed
Any aluminum article or derivative article subject to the duties that is admitted into a U.S. foreign-trade zone on or after the Commerce certification date may be admitted only under "privileged foreign status" and will be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty upon entry for consumption. This affects treatment of covered aluminum in foreign-trade zones.
No Duty Drawback Allowed
The proclamation explicitly states that no drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed by this proclamation. Importers may not claim drawback for the additional ad valorem duties covered here.
Importers Must Report Aluminum Content
Importers of aluminum derivative articles shall provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) any information necessary to identify the aluminum content used in manufacture of those imports, and CBP is authorized to publish regulations or guidance implementing this requirement. This is to be implemented as soon as practicable.
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