Section 232 Tariffs

Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 lets the President impose tariffs on imports found to threaten U.S. national security, and in 2026 it is the durable metals-tariff layer. Steel, aluminum, and copper carry a 50% Section 232 tariff, with 25% applied to covered downstream derivative products. For example, a $50,000 shipment of refined copper cathode incurs a $25,000 Section 232 charge on top of any MFN duty and fees. It matters because Section 232 stacks on top of the base rate, was NOT affected by the February 2026 Supreme Court ruling that struck down the IEEPA reciprocal tariffs, and applies by product regardless of origin country — so shifting sourcing does not escape it.