Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to address national security risks posed by aluminum imports and to incentivize domestic aluminum production in the United States. The proclamation directs the Secretary of Commerce to create an incentive program for companies investing in the construction, expansion, or refurbishment of U.S. aluminum smelters.
Under this program, companies with approved onshoring plans may import primary aluminum at a reduced tariff rate, equal to half of the otherwise applicable Section 232 tariff. The Secretary of Commerce will monitor compliance and may revoke tariff benefits if companies fail to meet commitments, including retroactive revocation.
The proclamation seeks to strengthen economic and national security by increasing domestic production of primary aluminum, which is essential for manufacturing U.S. military systems such as armored vehicles, naval vessels, spacecraft, and missiles. Current U.S. demand exceeds production capacity, highlighting the need for increased reshoring of primary aluminum manufacturing.
This action continues President Trump’s broader strategy under Section 232, which has included tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and other key goods to revitalize American manufacturing sectors vital to national security and economic strength. The administration states these measures have supported trillions in investment to bring jobs and manufacturing back to the U.S.