Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States

This proclamation removes the 10 percent tariff on aluminum imports from the United Arab Emirates, replacing it with a quota system negotiated as an alternative national security measure. The quota takes effect February 3, 2021, and amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule accordingly, while maintaining existing tariffs on aluminum from other countries.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 6825

Impact dates

Date TBD
CBP implementation of quantitative limitations as soon as practicable
Feb 3, 2021
UAE tariff exclusion and quota effective for goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse
Jan 1, 2021
Quota accounting period begins (retroactive for 2021 aggregate limits)

Key directives

Exclude UAE from 10% aluminum tariff under Proclamation 9704
Implement quantitative limitations (quota) on UAE aluminum imports
Amend HTSUS subheadings 9903.85.01, 9903.85.05-9903.85.08, and 9903.85.11
CBP to implement quota as soon as practicable
Secretary of Commerce to monitor implementation and consult USTR on necessary adjustments
Maintain current tariff level for all other countries

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Tariff exclusion for UAE announced
HTSUS amendments specified

Near term (90d)

Quota system effective February 3, 2021
CBP implementation of quantitative limitations
Annual aggregate limits apply starting calendar year 2021 with retroactive accounting from January 1, 2021

Long term

Ongoing monitoring of quota effectiveness
Potential revisiting of determination based on implementation
Quota continues unless modified or terminated

Risks & tensions

Quota 'as soon as practicable' implementation leaves brief operational gap
Retroactive 2021 accounting from January 1 may create compliance complexity for entries between Jan 1 and Feb 3
Preservation of reversion authority ('may be revisited') creates policy uncertainty for UAE exporters
Maintaining tariffs on other countries while exempting UAE may draw disputes or comparison demands from other nations