Reuters. U.S. President Donald Trump raised tariffs on both aluminum and steel imports to a flat 25% on Monday (February 10), removing all exemptions and quota deals. This includes reinstating tariffs on aluminum and steel from Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and other countries that previously had carve-outs. The new rates take effect on March 4.
Canada, which relies heavily on hydropower for metal production, accounted for 79% of U.S. primary aluminum imports in the first 11 months of 2024.
The move is an extension of Trump’s 2018 Section 232 tariffs, aimed at protecting U.S. steel and aluminum industries. A White House official stated that the previous exemptions weakened the policy’s impact. Trump emphasized the new tariff structure: “25% without exceptions or exemptions.”
