Tariff Rates Now 50% for Steel and Aluminum Imports
Yesterday afternoon, the White House issued its proclamation, increasing Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%, effective 12:01 a.m., Eastern Time today, June 4, 2025.
The proclamation references three annexes that appear to define the increased tariffs' scope and application but have not yet been released. We expect them to be published with the forthcoming Federal Register notice, though it’s possible they could be made available sooner.
The proclamation also revises Section 3(a)(ii) of the May 2 Executive Order, which governs how multiple tariffs apply to the same product. The revised language states that if an article is already subject to tariffs under certain trade actions listed in Sections 2(d) or 2(e) of the order, it will not be further subjected to additional tariffs under the actions listed in Sections 2(b) or 2(c). This change is intended to prevent multiple layers of tariffs from being applied to the same product.
In addition, the proclamation also introduces a new tariff requirement for products that contain materials beyond steel or aluminum. It states that the non-steel and non-aluminum content of all covered steel and aluminum articles, including derivative products, will now be subject to tariffs under Executive Order 14257. This is in addition to Section 232 tariffs, which will continue to apply only to the steel or aluminum portion of those products. Customs and Border Protection has been directed to strictly enforce this rule and impose serious consequences if steel or aluminum content is underreported.
The current 25% tariff on steel and aluminum for imports from the United Kingdom remains in place. However, starting July 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce may revise these rates or establish quotas under the existing U.S. – UK agreement. If the UK does not comply with the deal, the tariff rate could increase to 50%.
The Butzel Automotive and Tariffs groups are available to assist in dealing with tariffs and related issues. We will continue to update you as quickly and thoroughly as possible through these Client Alerts. Also, please visit our Tariff and Trade Resource Center for the most up-to-date news on tariffs, trade, and business implications.
Jennifer M. Smith-Veluz
202.454.2885
smithveluz@butzel.com
Mitchell Zajac
313.225.7059
zajac@butzel.com
Catherine M. Karol
313.225.5308
karol@butzel.com
Andrew S. AbdulNour
734.213.3251
abdulnour@butzel.com
Sabrina S. Yono
313.225.5321
yono@butzel.com
