On June 1, 2026, President Trump signed a new proclamation that further adjusts U.S. Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports. The changes took effect on June 8, 2026. They are temporary and will expire on December 31, 2027, after which standard rates under Proclamation 11021 apply again.
This follows the April 2, 2026 overhaul that already raised tariff rates, expanded derivative product coverage, and shifted duty calculations to full customs value. The June proclamation adds another layer of modifications — new rate categories, more products under coverage, and a lower threshold for claiming U.S.-origin metal benefits.
What Changed on June 8, 2026
New Annex I-C Rate Structure
A new product category — Annex I-C — now applies to certain aluminum and steel articles. These products carry a standard 25% tariff, with lower rates available for imports from trade deal partner countries or goods qualifying under USMCA. Products made with at least 85% U.S.-melted or U.S.-smelted metal also qualify for reduced rates under this category.
U.S.-Origin Metal Threshold Drops from 95% to 85%
Previously, derivative articles had to contain at least 95% U.S.-smelted and cast aluminum (or U.S.-melted and poured steel) to qualify for the reduced 10% rate. That threshold is now 85%. The goal is to get more foreign manufacturers using American-produced metal in their products. For aluminum die casting parts shipped to U.S. buyers, this means the origin of the raw aluminum ingot matters more than ever in duty calculations.
Agricultural Equipment Tariff Cut: 25% → 15%
Combines, harvesters, and similar agricultural machinery containing aluminum or steel components now qualify for a 15% transitional rate, down from 25%. This is set to last through the end of 2027.
Residential HVAC Added at 15%
Certain residential HVAC systems and components are now included in the expanded 15% transitional category. Previously, many of these fell under the standard 25% derivative rate.
Mobile Industrial Equipment at 15% (Trade Deal Countries Only)
Bulldozers, forklifts, and other mobile industrial equipment now qualify for the 15% rate — but only if imported from trade deal partner countries (EU members, UK, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and others). Imports from non-partner countries stay at 25%.
New Products Added to Derivative Coverage
Aluminum lithographic plates and steel racks are now classified as derivative articles under Section 232. They were previously outside the tariff scope entirely.
Current Section 232 Rate Summary (Effective June 8, 2026)
| Category | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum/steel articles (Annex I-A) | 50% | Products made entirely or almost entirely of metal |
| Certain derivatives (Annex I-B) | 25% | Products substantially made of metal |
| Metal-intensive equipment (Annex III) | 15% | Transitional rate through Dec 31, 2027 |
| Annex I-C articles | 25% | New category; lower rates for trade deal partners |
| U.S.-origin metal products | 10% | ≥85% U.S.-smelted/cast metal (was 95%) |
| Russian-origin aluminum | 200% | Unchanged since Proclamation 10522 |
| Low metal content (<15% by weight) | 0% | Exempt from Section 232 |
What This Means for Aluminum Die Casting Buyers
The practical takeaway for global OEM buyers sourcing aluminum die casting components is straightforward: tariff exposure depends on three factors — what percentage of the product is metal, where the raw aluminum was smelted, and which country the finished part ships from.
For buyers importing aluminum die casting parts from China, the 50% rate applies to raw aluminum articles, and 25% applies to most derivative aluminum products. No exclusion requests are being accepted — the Commerce Department stopped processing them. Duty drawback options are also heavily restricted.
For those exploring mixed sourcing strategies — say, using U.S.-smelted aluminum ingot in overseas casting operations — the lowered 85% threshold could open up the 10% rate for some products. But the documentation requirements at CBP are strict, and the burden of proof falls on the importer.
The 200% tariff on any aluminum product containing Russian-smelted metal remains in place. Supply chain traceability on ingot origin is no longer optional — it is a compliance requirement.
CBP Enforcement and Filing Changes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued updated filing guidance on June 5, 2026 (CSMS #68855869). New HTS headings 9903.82.20 through 9903.82.26 have been created for the new rate categories. Importers filing under the USMCA derivative steel provisions now need two-line entry reporting — one line for U.S. content and one for non-U.S. content.
CBP also confirmed that all covered products entering U.S. Foreign Trade Zones on or after April 6, 2026 must be admitted under privileged foreign status. Maximum penalties apply for tariff evasion and misclassification.
Sources
- White House — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Updates Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Imports (June 1, 2026)
- White House — Presidential Proclamation: Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes (June 1, 2026)
- Federal Register — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper (June 4, 2026)
- GHY International — U.S. Adjusts Section 232 Tariffs on Aluminum, Steel and Copper (Updated June 6, 2026)
- Thompson Hine SmarTrade — President Trump Makes Major Changes to Section 232 Tariffs (April 9, 2026)
