On June 3, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation to increase tariffs on certain steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50%.
The tariff increase applies specifically to the steel and aluminum content of imported products. Other components of those products will be subject to existing applicable tariffs. Imports from the United Kingdom will remain subject to the current 25% tariff, with the possibility of new arrangements beginning July 9, 2025, depending on the outcome of the U.S.-UK Economic Prosperity Deal.
The administration will implement stricter reporting requirements for steel and aluminum content in imports, with penalties for false declarations, including fines and loss of import rights.
Government reports from previous years noted a decline in domestic production and capacity utilization in both the steel and aluminum industries, citing global overproduction and high levels of imports. Steel capacity utilization declined from 80% in 2021 to 75.3% in 2023, while aluminum utilization dropped from 61% in 2019 to 55% in 2023.
