Starting March 12, 2025, steel and aluminum imports will face new 25% tariffs under Section 232, further tightening costs for manufacturers, construction firms, and supply chains relying on these essential materials​​. These tariffs affect a wide range of products, including raw materials like unwrought aluminum, flat-rolled steel, and wire and derivative products such as nails, tacks, pipes, automotive parts, and even specialized industrial equipment.
Importers dealing with steel and aluminum from all countries (except Russia, which faces even higher duties at 200%) will need to adjust quickly to avoid unexpected cost spikes. Notably, foreign-trade zones (FTZs) will also be impacted—products admitted under “privileged foreign status” before March 12 will still be subject to the tariffs upon withdrawal. This means that simply shifting inventory into an FTZ won’t provide relief.
Additionally, businesses importing aluminum or steel articles that were smelted and cast in the U.S. but processed in another country will be exempt from the tariffs, an incentive for manufacturers sourcing materials domestically before completing additional processing overseas.
For industries dependent on metal imports, now is the time to evaluate sourcing strategies, duty drawback programs, and tariff engineering opportunities. Coppersmith Global Logistics is prepared to help importers navigate customs classifications, mitigate duty exposure, and find cost-effective alternatives. Contact us today to discuss your import strategy before these tariffs take full effect.
