US expands tariffs on aluminium and steel
Image courtesy of NMMA
President Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on hundreds of steel and aluminium products, including construction equipment and automotive exhaust parts.
The US Department of Commerce expanded Section 232 tariffs on aluminium and steel imports on 15 August 2025. More than 400 HTS codes have been added to the list of aluminium and steel derivative products now subject to tariffs. Since 18 August, products with metal content are subject to a 50 per cent tariff.
The change means several marine products may now fall within the updated tariff categories. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) – a trade association representing boat, marine engine and accessory manufacturers in North America – is advising its members to review their imported components, parts or products and confirm the relevant HTS codes.
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued Cargo Systems and Message Service guidance covering steel and aluminium products. The announcement does not alter existing rules or requirements linked to Section 232 tariffs, including obligations on reporting country of melting and pouring or smelting and casting, and foreign-trade zone conditions.
UK industry leaders have warned of significant risks for British manufacturers affected by the tariff dispute and are urging government intervention. Tariffs between the UK and US under the Trump administration had been thought to be settled at 10 per cent.
In a statement, Philip Bell, the US Steel Manufacturers Association’s president, says: “The steel tariffs are necessary for the national security that a strong steel industry provides. One of President Trump’s signature achievements of his second term is renewing and strengthening the steel tariffs.”
The announcement follows the first round of an inclusion process that began in May. This process allowed domestic aluminium and steel producers to request that additional HTS codes and products be made subject to the 50 per cent tariff on derivative products. A second inclusion process is expected to begin in September.
In a statement, NMMA says it will continue to engage with the administration, Congress and industry partners “to ensure U.S. trade policy is targeted, balanced and aligned with the needs of American manufacturers.”
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