Steel, Aluminum & Copper Tariff Changes Effective April 6, 2026 Significant changes to Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper articles and their derivatives will take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on April 6, 2026. What Changed? The most important update is how tariffs are calculated. Previously, duties applied only to the metal content of derivative products.Now, tariffs will be assessed on the full customs value of the imported product, regardless of how much metal it contains. This change may significantly increase total duty costs for many importers. New Tariff Rates at a Glance 50% on aluminum and steel articles, most copper articles, and certain derivatives (Annex I-A) 25% on other copper articles and select aluminum and steel derivatives (Annex I-B) Reduced UK rates: 25% (Annex I-A) 15% (Annex I-B)(Requires qualifying melt/pour or smelt/cast processes in the UK) 10% rate for derivative articles made entirely with U.S.-processed metals 200% tariff on Russian-origin aluminum remains unchanged Transitional Treatment (Through December 31, 2027) Certain products listed in Annex III will follow a transitional structure: Combined duty capped at 15% If the standard duty rate is already 15% or higher, no additional Section 232 duty applies Beginning January 1, 2028, these products will shift to the standard 25% rate Additional Key Updates The process for adding derivative products to tariff coverage has been restructured The Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative now jointly determine product inclusion This authority now explicitly includes metal containers, even when filled with non-metal goods Manufacturing drawback is available for certain derivative articles from Trade Agreement Partners, including: UK, EU, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Canada, and others(Conditions apply based on origin of metal content) Need Help Navigating These Changes? These updates may impact duty exposure, sourcing decisions, and compliance requirements. American Cargoservice works closely with clients to evaluate shipping strategies, documentation, and cost implications in response to regulatory changes. 👉 Contact Us to discuss how these changes may affect your shipments. The full proclamation text and annexes are available through official government sources. American Cargoservice will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they become available.