Section 232 tariffs in 2026
Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 lets the president tax imports that threaten national security. In 2026 the program covers steel, aluminum, copper, automobiles, and semiconductors — and the rates are steep. Here is what each sector pays and how the rules interact.
Current Section 232 rates (July 2026)
| Sector | Rate | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Steel, aluminum, copper (articles wholly of) | 50% | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Derivative articles (steel/aluminum/copper content) | 25% | Apr 6, 2026 |
| Derivatives made with US metal content | 10% | Jun 2026 |
| Automobiles & certain auto parts | 25% | 2025 |
| Semiconductors (HTS 8541, 8542) | 25% | Jan 2026 |
All rates apply to the full customs value of the entered article. Rates and covered HTS headings change frequently — verify your specific 10-digit code against the latest proclamation.
Steel, aluminum, and copper: the 50% rate
On April 6, 2026 the rate on articles wholly of steel, aluminum, or copper doubled from 25% to 50%. Copper was added to the Section 232 program at that time. The June 2026 proclamations refined the derivative coverage and introduced the reduced rate for articles made with US-origin metal.
Covered aluminum articles include unwrought aluminum and alloys, plate, sheet, strip, foil, tube, pipe, wire, profiles, and powder. Steel and copper have analogous broad coverage. The key classification question is whether your product is "wholly of" the metal (50%) or a "derivative" containing other materials (25%).
The 10% US-content rule
A meaningful relief: derivative articles of steel, aluminum, and copper listed in the relevant annexes that are made using US-produced steel, aluminum, or copper are subject to a reduced 10% tariff instead of 50% or 25%. To claim this, importers must document that the US-origin metal was used in producing the article. This rewards supply chains that incorporate US mill output, even when final processing happens abroad.
Automobiles and parts
Automobiles and certain automotive parts carry a 25% Section 232 tariff on the full value. This sits on top of any normal HTS duty. The definition of "certain automotive parts" covered has expanded over successive proclamations — importers of components should confirm whether their specific part is on the covered list.
Semiconductors
Since January 2026, semiconductor imports under HTS headings 8541 and 8542 carry a 25% Section 232 tariff. The action cited US dependence on foreign chip fabrication as a national security risk. The scope continues to evolve — some subheadings may be excluded, and downstream products (devices containing chips) are not automatically covered, though that is under review. Electronics importers should check their 10-digit HTS code carefully.
What else is under investigation
Section 232 investigations are active for several more sectors that could be added to the covered list:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Lumber & wood products
- Critical minerals
- Industrial machinery
- Commercial aircraft
- Unmanned aircraft (drones)
If you import in any of these categories, a Section 232 tariff could arrive on short notice. Watch Federal Register notices and factor contingency into your costing.
How Section 232 stacks
Section 232 stacks with normal HTS duty and the existing Section 301 China tariffs. A China-origin steel product can carry base duty + Section 301 + Section 232 (50%) + MPF/HMF all at once. The only recent exception: the proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariff would exempt goods already under Section 232. See our full 2026 tariff status page for the stacking breakdown across all active regimes.
Check your HTS code's full duty stack
Enter an HTS code to see the base duty and any active AD/CVD orders, then add the Section 232 rate that applies to your product.
Calculate landed cost →Common questions
What is the Section 232 tariff rate on steel, aluminum, and copper in 2026?
50% on articles wholly of steel, aluminum, or copper, effective April 6, 2026 (doubled from the earlier 25%). The duty is assessed on the full customs value of the entered article, not just the metal content. Articles classified as derivatives — products that contain steel, aluminum, or copper along with other materials — are generally taxed at 25%.
Are automobiles subject to Section 232 tariffs?
Yes. Automobiles and certain automotive parts are subject to a 25% Section 232 tariff. The rate applies to the full value of the vehicle or part. This is separate from any normal HTS duty and stacks with other tariff regimes unless a specific exemption applies.
What is the 10% US-content rule for Section 232 derivatives?
Under the June 2026 modifications, derivative articles of steel, aluminum, and copper listed in the relevant annexes that are made using US-produced steel, aluminum, or copper are subject to a reduced 10% tariff instead of the 50% or 25% rate. Importers must be able to document the US-origin metal content to claim the lower rate.
Which semiconductor products are covered by Section 232?
Semiconductors under HTS headings 8541 and 8542 have been subject to a 25% Section 232 tariff since January 2026, citing reliance on foreign chip fabrication as a national security risk. The scope continues to evolve — check your specific 10-digit HTS classification, because some subheadings may be excluded or added as investigations proceed.
Does Section 232 stack with Section 301 and Section 122?
Section 232 stacks with normal HTS duty, existing Section 301 China tariffs, and (while it lasts) Section 122. The one relevant exception: under the proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, goods already subject to Section 232 are exempt from the new 10%/12.5%. But Section 232 does not exempt goods from the long-running Section 301 China tariffs.
What other products might get Section 232 tariffs?
Active Section 232 investigations cover pharmaceuticals, lumber and wood products, critical minerals, industrial machinery, commercial aircraft, and unmanned aircraft. If those investigations result in tariff actions, the products would join steel, aluminum, copper, autos, and semiconductors on the covered list. Importers in those sectors should monitor Federal Register notices.