US Locks Down Steel Imports for Ultimate National Strength
Published Date: 2/18/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. is updating its steel import rules to protect national security by keeping an eye on how much steel comes in and from where. Countries sending too much steel might face tariffs or other limits, but those with strong security ties can work out deals to avoid extra fees. These changes started in 2018 and will keep evolving to keep American steel safe and strong.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
25% Tariff Reapplies to Many Countries
As of 12:01 a.m. eastern time on March 12, 2025, all imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, the member countries of the European Union, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine shall be subject to the additional 25 percent ad valorem tariff set by Proclamation 9705 (and Proclamation 9980 for derivative steel articles).
Derivative Steel Articles Added To Duties
As of March 12, 2025, additional derivative steel articles listed in Annex I to the proclamation shall be subject to the additional ad valorem duties (25 percent) in Proclamation 9705 and Proclamation 9980, except for derivative steel articles processed in another country from steel articles that were melted and poured in the United States; where a listed derivative is not in Chapter 73 of the HTSUS, the duty applies only to the steel content.
Product Exclusion Process Terminated
Effective immediately as of the date of the proclamation (February 10, 2025), the Secretary is no longer authorized to grant relief from the additional duties under the product exclusion process and shall not consider new or renewal exclusion requests; the Secretary shall terminate all existing general approved exclusions as of March 12, 2025.
New Importer Info Rules and Stronger CBP Enforcement
Importers of derivative steel articles must provide CBP any information necessary to identify the steel content used in manufacture, and CBP will implement these information requirements as soon as practicable. CBP shall prioritize classification reviews, assess monetary penalties in the maximum amount permitted by law for misclassification that results in non-payment of duties, and will notify the Secretary about suspected evasion. The proclamation also states that no drawback shall be available for the duties imposed.
Foreign-Trade-Zone and HTSUS Implementation Steps
Any steel article or derivative article admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on March 12, 2025, must be admitted as 'privileged foreign status' and will be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty upon entry for consumption; goods admitted earlier under privileged foreign status will also be subject upon entry to the added duties. The Secretary must revise the HTSUS to conform to these amendments within ten days of March 12, 2025, and must establish within 90 days a process for including additional derivative steel articles.
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