Mexico, China and the European Union ranked among the top exporters of aluminum derivatives to the United States in 2024.
Last February, President Donald Trump signed proclamations to close existing loopholes and exemptions to reinstate an effective 25 percent tariff on steel and raise the tariff on aluminum from 10 percent to 25 percent.
The proclamations establish a limited exclusion for certain steel and aluminum products. In the case of steel, it allows the exclusion if the items were smelted and poured in the United States, even if they are then processed in another country. Similarly, for aluminum, the exclusion applies if the articles were cast and cast in the United States, even if they are processed abroad.
Exporters of aluminum derivatives
Why? President Trump implemented these measures, arguing that he wants to protect key U.S. steel and aluminum industries as they were affected by unfair trade practices and global overcapacity.
Trump’s orders require that, by May 11, 2025, the Secretary of Commerce establish a process for U.S. steel and aluminum producers to apply to include more downstream products in the tariffs. To do so, they must demonstrate that increased imports threaten national security. This measure allows them to seek additional tariff protections.
These are the top exporters of aluminum derivatives to the United States in 2024, in millions of dollars, according to Commerce Department data:
- Mexico: 22,890.
- China: 21,820.
- European Union: 13,054.
- Canada: 11,959.
- South Korea: 5,865.
- Japan: 5,420.
- Taiwan: 4,781.
- Vietnam: 3,957.
- United Kingdom: 2,161.
- Thailand: 2,006.
Exports of aluminum derivatives from around the world to the United States were $102.664 billion in 2024.
Pros and cons
According to its own analysis, Congress may want to consider the potential benefits and costs of extending Section 232 tariffs to the U.S. economy, relationships with trading partners, including global discussions on overcapacity, and whether these actions are consistent with U.S. international trade obligations.
Congress may also consider its role in trade policy vis-à-vis the executive branch.