Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States

This proclamation reinstates Section 232 tariffs on aluminum imports from Mexico by imposing a country of smelt and country of most recent cast requirement. Aluminum products from Mexico containing primary aluminum smelted or cast in China, Russia, Belarus, or Iran face higher duties, while eligible Mexican aluminum must be accompanied by a certificate of analysis to enter duty-free.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 57339

Impact dates

Date TBD
CBP to implement smelt and cast information requirements
Jul 10, 2024
HTSUS modifications effective; tariff changes take effect

Key directives

Impose country of smelt and country of most recent cast requirement on Mexican aluminum imports
Increase duty rate for Mexican aluminum containing aluminum smelted/cast in China, Russia, Belarus, or Iran
Require certificate of analysis for eligible Mexican aluminum
CBP to implement information requirements as soon as practicable
USTR to advise on import surges and recommend actions
HTSUS amendments effective July 10, 2024

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

HTSUS modifications effective July 10, 2024 at 12:01 a.m. EDT
Certificate of analysis requirement takes effect
Country of smelt/cast reporting required

Near term (90d)

CBP to implement smelt and cast information requirements 'as soon as practicable'
USTR to monitor for import surges from Mexico

Long term

Ongoing monitoring of agreement effectiveness
Potential revisit of determination if circumstances change
Potential removal of Mexico exemption if surge occurs

Risks & tensions

Trade tension with Mexico over reinstated tariff restrictions
Risk of supply chain disruption for U.S. manufacturers relying on Mexican aluminum
Enforcement challenges verifying country of smelt/cast for complex supply chains
Paragraph 10 creates complex interplay with Russia-specific 200% tariff in Proclamation 10522
Vague 'as soon as practicable' deadline for CBP implementation creates compliance uncertainty