Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Updates Tariffs on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Imports

President Donald J. Trump has issued a Proclamation adjusting strategic metals tariffs to further bolster the American industrial base, lower costs for the agricultural and construction sectors, and incentivize foreign manufacturers to utilize American-poured steel and aluminum.The administration frames these adjustments as a strategic refinement of the Section 232 program, designed to maintain national security while accelerating the "New Golden Age" of American manufacturing.To provide immediate relief to American farmers and builders, the President has adjusted tariffs on critical heavy machinery:Agricultural Relief: Tariffs on essential farming equipment, such as combines and harvesters, have been reduced from 25% to 15%.Construction Expansion: The 15% tariff category now includes mobile industrial equipment, such as bulldozers and forklifts, when imported from established trade partners.Temporary Timeline: These adjustments are set to expire on December 31, 2027, a move intended to spur immediate, near-term capital investments in the nation’s industrial capacity.The Proclamation introduces a powerful new incentive for global manufacturers to support U.S. industry:The 10% Duty Rate: Foreign companies can qualify for a significantly lower 10% duty rate on their products if their capital equipment consists of at least 85% U.S. melted and poured or smelted and cast steel or aluminum by weight.Strategic Goal: This policy is designed to force global supply chains to integrate American-made metals, directly benefiting U.S. steel and aluminum workers.The administration highlighted the transformative impact of the Section 232 program since 2025:Global Standing: The United States has surged past rival economies to become the third-largest steel-producing nation in the world.New Capacity: Over 4 million tons of new crude steelmaking capacity is coming online in states like West Virginia, Arkansas, and South Carolina.Aluminum and Copper: For the first time in decades, new smelters are being built in the U.S., including a joint venture in Oklahoma and expanded copper operations by companies like Rio Tinto and Highland Copper.The Proclamation comes as the U.S. manufacturing sector reported its fifth straight month of expansion in May 2026.Tripling Expectations: Manufacturing grew at its fastest rate in four years last month, nearly tripling the growth forecasts of most economists.National Security: The administration emphasizes that these tariffs are not merely economic tools but essential protections for the U.S. industrial base, semiconductors, critical minerals, and pharmaceuticals.Conclusion:By combining aggressive protection of primary metals with targeted relief for those who use them, President Trump intends to ensure that American producers can compete on a "level playing field." The administration concludes that these "America First" trade policies have successfully reversed decades of industrial decline, securing trillions in investment and restoring the United States as the world's undisputed engine of production.1. Targeted Tariff Adjustments for Growth2. The "Buy American" Incentive3. Strengthening the Industrial Base4. Record-Breaking Economic Momentum