Navigating U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, a list of resources

On May 31, 2018 the U.S. announced that Canada, along with a number of other countries, would be subject to tariffs on their steel and aluminum exports to the U.S.

If you’re trying to work with your U.S. clients to understand what this means for your business transactions, here are a few resources and contacts in the U.S. that may help you navigate the tariff environment.

First, identify which steel and aluminum goods are on the list. The tariffs mainly apply to Canadian steel and aluminum sold to U.S. manufacturers as raw materials. They don’t apply to finished goods. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a briefing document, with links to help you navigate different areas of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. There is basic information, along with a Q&A section.

If you prefer to read for yourself, firsthand, how the Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs will be implemented, you may want to take a look at the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (2018 HTSA Revision 5). Scroll down until you see Chapter 99, which you can download as a PDF. Once you’ve opened the chapter, flip to page 199 for notes start on page 119; Applicable tariff codes and rates (along with quota info) are on pages 132-139.

Do you have questions for U.S. Customs? Questions related to Section 232 entry filing requirements should be emailed to traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov. 

Do you have questions related to product-specific exemptions or the exclusion process?

• Steel: (202) 482–5642, Steel232@bis.doc.gov;
• Aluminum: (202) 482–4757, Aluminum232@bis.doc.gov