Importing steel from Mexico into the US in 2026 means navigating multiple tariff layers. The current total effective rate runs approximately 60% on most steel imports under HTS chapters 72-73, 76. The reciprocal rate on Mexico did not change after SCOTUS — IEEPA refunds are limited to importers who specifically paid the temporary IEEPA layer in 2025.
The current rate stack on steel from Mexico breaks down as: the 10% Section 122 reciprocal tariff (effective February 24, 2026, set to expire July 24, 2026 unless extended), plus the MFN duty rate that depends on the specific HTS code, plus any product-specific surcharges. Section 232 steel and aluminum duties of 50% stack on top and are NOT refundable — only the IEEPA layer is.
For most importers, the 60% total represents a meaningful change from the pre-SCOTUS regime, when the IEEPA reciprocal layer pushed Mexico steel imports to 60% effective. SCOTUS struck down the IEEPA reciprocal layer on February 20, 2026 in Learning Resources v. Trump, opening a refund pool of approximately $166 billion for affected importers.
Goods qualifying under USMCA rules of origin enter at 0% duty — making origin documentation the single most important variable.
Bottom line for steel importers from Mexico: confirm your HTS classification, account for the Section 122 layer (and Section 232/301 if applicable), and — if you paid IEEPA duties in 2025 — check your refund eligibility before the Phase 1 windows close on a rolling basis through Q3 2026.
Calculate Your Steel Duty from Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total tariff rate on steel from Mexico in 2026?
The total effective US tariff on steel from Mexico is approximately 60%, composed of the 10% Section 122 reciprocal tariff plus the MFN base rate plus any product-specific surcharges, plus Section 232 steel/aluminum duties of 50% where applicable.
Are steel imports from Mexico subject to IEEPA refunds?
Refunds are limited. The reciprocal rate did not change meaningfully for Mexico. Importers who specifically paid the temporary IEEPA layer in 2025 may still file through CAPE, but the refund delta is small.
Does Section 232 apply to steel from Mexico?
Yes. Section 232 applies at 50% on steel and aluminum from Mexico. Section 232 is independent of IEEPA and was not affected by the SCOTUS ruling — it remains in force.
