Yes. As of October 2026, the United States charges a Section 232 tariff on imported aluminum and on many products made from it. Since April 6, 2026, the duty applies to the full customs value of the product, not just its metal content. The headline rate is 50% for aluminum articles, 25% for many derivative products, and lower rates for a short list of goods and for products made with U.S.-smelted metal. Confirm the current notice before you ship, because the rules have changed several times since 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Section 232 aluminum tariffs are in effect as of October 2026.
- Covered products pay on full customs value at 50%, 25%, 15% or 10%.
- Your HTS code, not metal content, decides coverage.
- Check the latest proclamation and your broker before every shipment.
How Aluminum Tariffs Work Today
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 lets the President adjust imports that the Commerce Department finds threaten national security. Aluminum has been covered since 2018. Proclamation 11021 (April 2026) and Proclamation 11032 (June 2026) rebuilt the system around product lists, called annexes. Your HTS code decides which list, and therefore which rate, applies.
| Category (as of October 2026) | Section 232 rate | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum articles and some derivatives (Annex I-A) | 50% | Full customs value |
| Many other derivatives (Annex I-B) | 25% | Full customs value |
| Temporary list: certain industrial, power, farm and residential HVAC equipment | Normal duty + 232 = 15% in total, until December 31, 2027 | Full customs value |
| Derivatives whose metal is at least 85% U.S.-smelted and cast | 10% | Full customs value |
| Russian aluminum or aluminum smelted or cast in Russia | 200% | Full customs value |
Two other rules matter. A product listed for more than one metal pays only one Section 232 rate. And a listed derivative outside HTS chapters 72, 73, 74 and 76 owes no metals duty if the covered metal is under 15% of its weight. United Kingdom products have their own reduced rates.
Are Aluminum Tariffs Still in Effect?
Yes. The tariff rose from 10% in 2018 to 25% in March 2025, when country exemptions ended, and to 50% in June 2025, according to the Congressional Research Service. April 2026 moved the duty to full value and ended the old inclusion request process. Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative can now add derivative products on a rolling basis. In July 2026 a further proclamation created a program that lets approved new primary-aluminum projects import a set quantity at half the normal 232 rate.
Why Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Exist
The official reason is national security: keeping enough domestic smelting and steelmaking capacity for defense and critical infrastructure. Proclamation 11021 states that U.S. aluminum capacity utilization rose from about 39% in 2017 to about 50.4%, against a stated goal of a sustained 80%. Supporters point to that recovery. Many U.S. manufacturers that buy aluminum argue the tariffs raise their input costs.
Will Aluminum Tariffs Go Away?
We do not forecast tariff policy. What is on paper: the temporary 15% treatment ends after December 31, 2027 unless changed, and the Commerce Secretary must keep monitoring imports and report if the measures are no longer needed. Rates can move in either direction by proclamation, so build tariff review into every quote.
For EV charger buyers, aluminum shows up in enclosures, heat sinks and pedestals. Whether a finished charger is covered depends on its HTS code, not on how much aluminum it contains. Our guide to importing EV chargers into the US explains classification, and FOB vs DDP terms decide who carries the duty. EVDANCE builds chargers in its own Shenzhen factory and can supply material and weight breakdowns for your broker, through our OEM and private-label program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a tariff on aluminum from every country?
Yes, the 232 duty applies to nearly all origins. Rates differ for UK products, Russian aluminum and certain products made with U.S. metal.
Does the tariff apply to the whole product or only the aluminum?
Since April 6, 2026, it applies to the full customs value of a covered product. Before that, most derivatives paid only on metal content.
Can a customs broker confirm my rate?
Yes. A licensed customs broker can confirm your HTS code and annex. This article is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
- Canada EV Charger Import Guide: cUL, CSA and Duties
