Yes. The steel tariff is still in effect as of October 2026 and applies to imports from nearly every country. Steel articles pay 50% of full value and many steel derivatives pay 25%. A few groups get different treatment: UK-melted steel, products of certain partners on a temporary equipment list, USMCA goods on that list, Russian steel, and products made with U.S.-melted steel. Here is where each stands.
Key Takeaways
- The steel tariff is in effect for nearly all origins as of October 2026.
- Steel articles pay 50%; listed derivatives 25%.
- The UK and temporary equipment lists have reduced rates until specified dates.
- Changing origin on paper is illegal; plan with accurate data.
Steel Tariff Status by Trading Partner
| Origin (October 2026) | Steel articles | Steel derivatives | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China and most countries | 50% | 25% | Country exemptions ended March 2025 |
| Canada and Mexico | 50% | 25% | Applies to USMCA goods; special rule only for certain mobile machinery |
| United Kingdom | 25% if UK melted and poured | 15% if UK melted and poured | Otherwise standard rates |
| EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and others named | 50% | 25% | Mobile industrial machinery: duty plus normal rate capped at 15% until end of 2027 |
| Russia | Separate rates | Separate rates | Russia-specific tariff codes apply |
| Any origin, steel at least 85% U.S. melted and poured | — | 10% | Applies to derivatives with supplier proof |
Sources: Proclamation 11032 and the CRS summary updated September 17, 2026.
The Temporary Equipment Lists
Two lists give lower rates until December 31, 2027. The first covers certain fixed industrial and power equipment, farm equipment and residential HVAC: for most origins, normal duty plus the steel tariff totals 15%. The second covers mobile machinery such as forklifts and loaders: 25% for most origins, but a 15% total for products of the partners named in the June 2026 proclamation, including the EU, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan and the UK. Products from countries without normal trade relations pay 25%. After 2027, the standard rates return unless changed.
How the Status Can Change
- A new proclamation can change rates for a country or a product group.
- Commerce and the Trade Representative can add derivative products at any time by notice.
- Agreements with trading partners can produce country-specific rates, as with the UK.
- Commerce must report if the measures are no longer needed; see our FOB vs DDP guide for who carries that risk in a contract.
What It Means for Charger Buyers
Shipping from a different country does not avoid the steel tariff, and misstating origin or routing goods through a third country to change it is illegal and heavily penalized. What buyers can control is classification, documentation and the choice of what to import versus buy locally. Our US customs guide and factory vs trading company guide help with both. EVDANCE ships factory-direct from China with accurate origin documents, and can quote the EV-RHDC30K-L compact DC charger or other models with material data for your broker. Rates and rules here are as of October 2026; confirm the current proclamation and HTS notes before you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the steel tariff still in effect for Canada?
Yes. Canadian steel pays the Section 232 tariff, including USMCA-qualifying goods, apart from a special rule for certain mobile machinery.
Is the steel tariff in effect for China?
Yes. Chinese steel articles pay 50% and listed derivatives 25%, and Section 301 duties may also apply by code.
Which country has the lowest steel tariff?
As of October 2026, UK products made with UK-melted steel have the lowest country-specific rates, 25% and 15%.
Related Reading
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- Chinese EV Charger Manufacturers: Factory, Trading Company or Marketplace Seller?
- Canada EV Charger Import Guide: cUL, CSA and Duties
- FOB vs DDP: How to Import EV Chargers From China Without Surprises
