Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States

This proclamation doubles the existing 25 percent steel tariff to 50 percent specifically on steel imports from Turkey, effective August 13, 2018. It amends the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to implement this higher rate while maintaining the 25 percent rate for other countries not exempted, citing continued below-target domestic steel capacity utilization.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 40429

Impact dates

Aug 13, 2018
50% tariff on Turkish steel takes effect; HTSUS modifications effective

Key directives

Impose 50% ad valorem tariff on steel articles from Turkey effective August 13, 2018
Modify HTSUS subchapter III of chapter 99 to establish new duty rate for Turkey
Amend Proclamation 9705 clause 2 to reflect Turkey's exclusion from 25% tariff and subjection to 50% tariff
Insert new U.S. note 16(a)(ii) for heading 9903.80.02 for Turkish steel products
Secretary to revise HTSUS in consultation with CBP and publish in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of Commerce · Commerce

Timeline

Immediate

50% tariff on Turkish steel takes effect August 13, 2018 at 12:01 a.m. EDT
HTSUS modifications effective for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse

Near term (90d)

Secretary to publish HTSUS revisions in Federal Register
Monitoring of domestic steel capacity utilization continues

Long term

Tariff continues unless expressly reduced, modified, or terminated
Potential further adjustments based on Secretary's monitoring of import levels and capacity utilization

Risks & tensions

Bilateral tension with Turkey escalated through targeted economic measure
Retaliatory trade measures from Turkey possible
U.S. manufacturers face higher input costs for Turkish steel
Legal challenges possible under WTO dispute settlement
National security justification for tariffs remains contested internationally