Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In 2018, a proclamation established tariffs on aluminum imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing imports as a national security threat.
Since then, the tariff regime has been modified by later proclamations in 2026 to more effectively address this threat and strengthen the domestic aluminum sector.
The Secretary of Commerce has monitored the effects of these tariffs and informed the President that the duties have helped strengthen the American aluminum industry and mitigate national security risks.
However, the Secretary also noted that the supply of primary aluminum, vital for the U.S. economy and defense industry, remains inadequate despite the tariffs.
Accordingly, the President has further adjusted the tariff regime to better incentivize increased domestic production of primary aluminum.