Section 232

Definition

Section 232 authorizes the President to impose tariffs on imports that the Commerce Department determines threaten US national security. The active Section 232 actions in 2026 cover steel and aluminum (50% as of June 2025), copper (50% effective April 2026), semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. Section 232 tariffs apply to all countries including USMCA partners, unless a country-specific exemption has been negotiated. Section 232 duties stack on top of the MFN rate and on top of any Section 301 surcharge. Steel and aluminum derivatives are subject to an additional rule (per the April 2026 proclamation) that the 50% rate applies to the full customs value of the derivative article rather than only the embedded metal content.