Massive Trade Shift: U.S. Imposes 25% Tariffs on All Steel & Aluminum Imports – No More Exemptions!

EMD Customs Broker & Logistics Center
Feb 12
2 min read

What’s Happening?

The U.S. government has just announced a major policy change that will impact the steel and aluminum industry across the country. In a new Executive Order signed by President Trump, all previous exemptions, quotas, and exclusions on imported steel and aluminum will be eliminated.

Starting March 12, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EST, all imported steel and derivative steel articles will be subject to a 25% tariff, while aluminum and derivative aluminum articles will face a 10% tariff.

Why Is This Happening?

The administration has cited national security concerns and the need to protect U.S. manufacturers as the primary reasons for these changes. In recent years, foreign steel imports—especially from countries that previously had tariff exemptions—have surged, putting pressure on domestic production.

The White House argues that the previous exemption system failed because:

✔ Imports from exempted countries have increased, undermining U.S. steelmakers.

✔ Foreign producers took advantage of loopholes, evading tariffs through alternative agreements.

✔ Global steel overproduction—particularly from China—has created an oversupply.

✔ U.S. steelmakers have struggled to maintain an 80% production capacity, which was the original goal of the Section 232 tariffs.

To address these concerns, the government has revoked all exemptions and exclusions, making sure every imported steel product is subject to the full tariffs.

What Does This Mean for Importers and Businesses?

🔴 No more special treatment – Countries like Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the EU will no longer have exemptions.

🔴 Higher costs for steel and aluminum – Businesses that rely on imported metals will face significant price increases.

🔴 End of the exclusion process – No new exemptions will be granted, and any pending applications will be denied.

🔴 Potential supply chain disruptions – Companies that depended on tariff-free imports will need to rethink their sourcing strategies.

How Will This Affect You?

➡ If you're a manufacturer using imported steel or aluminum, expect higher costs.

➡ If you're in construction, automotive, or any metal-heavy industry, this could impact your bottom line.

➡ If you import steel or aluminum, start preparing now for increased duties and potential shipment delays.

What’s Next?

The U.S. government will continue monitoring the situation and may introduce further measures if needed. A Federal Register notice is expected soon, detailing the full rollout of these changes.

For businesses, this is a crucial time to reassess supply chains, evaluate cost structures, and explore domestic alternatives to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

At EMD Customs Broker & Logistics Center, we specialize in customs clearance, import regulations, and compliance. Our experts can help you:

✅ Understand how the new tariffs affect your business

✅ Calculate additional costs & explore alternative solutions

✅ Ensure compliance with the latest trade policies

📞 Contact us today to discuss how we can help you adapt to these new regulations and keep your operations running smoothly.

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