Trump Strengthens Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper -- 50% Duty on Metal Products

President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on April 2 significantly strengthening tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper imports. Articles made entirely or almost entirely of these metals now face a flat 50% tariff on their full customs value, while derivative products face 25%. The move comes amid a sweeping overhaul of U.S. trade policy one year after "Liberation Day."

New Tariff Structure

The revised Section 232 tariff regime, effective April 6, represents a major restructuring. Products made entirely or predominantly of aluminum, steel, or copper pay 50% on their full value. Derivative articles substantially containing these metals face 25%. Metal-intensive industrial equipment and electrical grid equipment qualify for a reduced 15% rate through 2027. Products manufactured abroad using exclusively American-sourced steel, aluminum, and copper are subject to a lower 10% tariff. Notably, products containing 15% or less of these metals are no longer subject to Section 232 metals tariffs at all.

Legal Landscape After the Supreme Court Ruling

The February 2026 Supreme Court decision in a 6-3 ruling struck down the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for imposing tariffs, forcing the administration to pivot. The White House shifted to Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits a temporary import surcharge of up to 150 days with a maximum rate of 15%. A blanket 15% surcharge now applies to imports from all countries under this authority.

CBP Refund Portal and Economic Impact

Customs and Border Protection is building the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) system, set to launch April 20. Phase 1 will cover 63% of the 53,173,939 unliquidated entries that included IEEPA duties. Over 26,600 importers have registered, with approximately $120 billion in refunds expected. One year after Liberation Day, the economic toll is evident: manufacturing has lost a net 89,000 jobs over ten months, while eight trade deals have been struck with partners including the UK, Japan, South Korea, and the EU.