Steel imports are subject to more overlapping tariff layers than almost any other product category. The combination of Section 122, Section 232, and potentially Section 301 and AD/CVD duties can push effective rates well above 100%. This playbook breaks down a $100,000 steel import from multiple countries, showing exactly how tariff stacking works and where the biggest cost differences lie.
The Steel Tariff Stack: Two (or Three) Layers
Every steel import to the US faces the Section 232 tariff, and imports from China face additional layers. Layer 1: Section 232 — after the April 6, 2026 restructuring this is two-tier: 50% on articles WHOLLY of steel (Annex I-A) and 25% on DERIVATIVE products substantially made of steel (Annex I-B), both assessed on the full customs value. The 50% rate was doubled from 25% in June 2025; the UK has a reduced 25% arrangement. Note: the Section 122 10% tariff does NOT stack on the metal content of a Section 232 steel article, so it does not add to these rates. Layer 2 (China only): Section 301 at 25% on most steel products. Layer 3 (varies): Anti-dumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on specific products from specific countries. AD/CVD rates on steel can range from 0% to over 500%. Section 301 and AD/CVD stack on top of Section 232.
Example: $100,000 of Steel from a Non-China Source
Importing $100,000 of hot-rolled steel from Japan (no Section 301, no USMCA). Section 232: 50% = $50,000 (Section 122 does not stack on the metal content of a Section 232 steel article). MPF: 0.3464% = $346.40 (but capped at $614.35). HMF: 0.125% = $125. Shipping (estimated): $5,000. Total: approximately $155,471. Effective rate: 55.5%. Before even checking for AD/CVD duties, you are paying 50% in tariffs alone on this wholly-of-steel article (a derivative steel product would instead carry 25% Section 232 on the full customs value). Japan does not currently have major AD/CVD orders on hot-rolled steel, but always verify with the ITC database.
Example: $100,000 of Steel from China
The same $100,000 of steel from China adds Section 301. Section 232: 50% = $50,000. Section 301: 25% = $25,000 (Section 301 stacks on Section 232; Section 122 does not stack on the metal content). MPF: $346.40 (capped at $614.35). HMF: $125. Shipping: $5,000. Subtotal: approximately $180,471 (80.5% above product value). But wait — Chinese steel also faces some of the highest AD/CVD rates in existence. Depending on the specific product and producer, AD/CVD rates range from 0% to over 500%. At even a moderate 100% AD/CVD rate, an additional $100,000 in duties would bring the total to $290,471 — nearly triple the product cost.
USMCA: Steel from Canada
Canada presents a unique case. USMCA can eliminate MFN base duties on qualifying steel, but Section 232 tariffs are NOT covered by USMCA. Qualifying Canadian steel: USMCA base = 0%. Section 232: 50% = $50,000. Total tariffs: 50% ($50,000) — Section 122 does not stack on the metal content of a Section 232 steel article (and USMCA-qualifying goods are exempt from Section 122 in any case). Canada does NOT have a Section 232 exemption — the June 2025 doubling applied to all countries (the UK is the exception, with a reduced 25% arrangement). The 50%/$50,000 figure applies to articles wholly of steel; derivative steel products carry 25% Section 232 on the full customs value instead. However, Canadian softwood lumber has a separate CVD order (8-20%). For steel specifically, the rate from Canada is the same as from Japan or most other countries.
Country Comparison: Steel at $100,000
Japan: 50% ($50,000 in tariffs). South Korea: 50% ($50,000), but some products face AD/CVD of up to 60% additional. Brazil: 50% ($50,000), plus AD/CVD up to 84% on some products. Canada: 50% ($50,000), plus CVD on some products. Turkey: 50% ($50,000), plus AD/CVD on rebar up to 155%. India: 50% ($50,000), plus AD/CVD on pipe/tube up to 118%. China: 75% ($75,000), plus AD/CVD up to 522%. The base tariff story is similar for all countries — 50% on articles wholly of steel (or 25% on derivative steel products, which carry 25% Section 232 rather than 50%), except the UK with its reduced 25% arrangement — but China's Section 301 adds 25 percentage points. The real differentiator is AD/CVD — these product-specific duties can dwarf all other tariffs combined.
AD/CVD Warning: The Fourth Layer
Steel is the most heavily targeted product category for anti-dumping and countervailing duties. Active orders exist against steel from China, Vietnam, India, South Korea, Turkey, Brazil, Indonesia, and many other countries. Rates vary enormously by product type and producer. Hot-rolled steel, cold-rolled steel, corrosion-resistant steel, stainless steel, steel pipe, rebar, wire rod, and many other specific products each have their own AD/CVD orders with their own rates. Before importing ANY steel product, check the ITC AD/CVD database at usitc.gov for active orders on your specific product from your specific country. AD/CVD rates on steel are frequently 50-200% and can exceed 500%. This is not a theoretical risk — it is the single most common cause of unexpected duty bills for steel importers.
Key Takeaway
Steel imports face 50% Section 232 on articles wholly of steel, but only 25% on derivative steel products after the April 6, 2026 restructuring — both assessed on full customs value, regardless of origin country (the UK has a reduced 25% arrangement). Note that Section 122 does NOT stack on the metal content of a Section 232 article, so a wholly-steel article is 50%, not 60%. From China, add Section 301 on top. And the biggest wildcard is AD/CVD duties — which can add anywhere from 0% to 500%+ depending on the specific product and producer. Always check the ITC database before placing a steel order. Use the calculator below for the base tariff estimate, then layer AD/CVD rates on top.