US Adjusts Section 232 Tariffs on Select Imported Metal Products Effective June 8, 2026

Effective June 8, 2026, the US will implement several new adjustments to the Section 232 tariff mechanism for items related to steel, aluminum, and copper. These changes are expected to remain in effect until December 31, 2027.

This round of adjustments is not a sweeping change across all imported metal products. Instead, it primarily expands the list of product groups eligible for lower tariff rates and relaxes the requirements regarding the percentage of US-origin metal in specific cases.

Key Adjustments to the Section 232 Tariff Mechanism

According to information released by the White House, a 15% tariff rate will apply to certain agricultural equipment groups, such as combine harvesters and reaping machinery, as well as select residential HVAC equipment. The US has also expanded the category of industrial equipment eligible for the 15% rate to include certain mobile industrial machinery, such as forklifts and bulldozers, provided they meet the applicable conditions.

Another significant modification is the threshold for a product to be considered as utilizing US-origin metal, which has been lowered from 95% to 85% by weight. This adjustment could enable certain products to qualify for a preferred 10% tariff rate, provided they satisfy the statutory requirements for steel or aluminum melted, cast, or metallurgically processed within the US.

Direct Impact on Businesses Exporting to the US

For businesses exporting to the US – particularly in sectors such as mechanical engineering, industrial equipment, agricultural machinery, steel structures, and fabricated metal products – this update highlights that raw material origin and metal composition percentages are increasingly exerting a direct impact on import costs and product competitiveness.

Beyond the tariffs themselves, businesses must better prepare their certificates of origin, production documentation, and supply chain data. These areas are likely to face stricter verification during the US import process.

Recommended Preparations for the Upcoming Period

As US trade policies continue to undergo sector-specific adjustments, businesses should:

Review product portfolios containing steel, aluminum, or copper destined for export to the US.
Verify the percentage and origin of raw materials within the product composition.
Standardize certificates of origin, production documentation, and supply chain data.
Assess tariff impacts during the quotation process and long-term export planning.
Engage early with logistics partners and customs brokers to stay updated on new compliance requirements.

The Role of Logistics in Managing Trade Risk

As trade regulations become more deeply intertwined with origin data and supply chain transparency, logistics is no longer confined to transport operations. It also plays a vital role in helping businesses manage documentation, track cargo origin, and mitigate risks during the customs clearance process.

With extensive experience in supporting export shipments to the US, Vantage Logistics stands ready to assist businesses in developing appropriate transport plans, optimizing documentation, and updating the latest regulatory changes to minimize potential risks in export operations.

Contact Vantage Logistics to receive the latest trade policy updates and to develop tailored logistics solutions for the US market.

Note: Actual applicable tariff rates may vary depending on the specific commodity code (HS code), metal composition, origin criteria, and enforcement guidelines in effect at the time of import.

Contact Vantage Logistics for tailored transport solutions and competitive quotations.

Please provide details on cargo type, market, origin, destination, and estimated timeline.

Vantage Logistics Corp – South East Asia (S.E.A) Logistics Provider One-Stop Shop For Integrated Logistics Services
Head Office	Viet Nam – Suite 6.01, Floor 6th, Block A, RiverGate Residence, 151-155 Ben Van Don, Khanh Hoi Ward, HCMC, Viet Nam
Branch	Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore
Contact Us
Email	in@***om.vn
Hotline	+84-909-026-261
Website	https://vantage-logistics.com