U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation modifying tariffs on a range of imported steel, aluminum and copper products. The updated measures provide lower rates for certain types of machinery while expanding duties on other imported goods as the White House seeks to encourage investment in American manufacturing.
According to Reuters, selected steel and aluminum derivative products will now be subject to a 15 per cent tariff, down from the previous rate of 25 per cent. The reduced duties apply to certain agricultural machinery and equipment used in residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
The proclamation also introduces a 15 per cent tariff for mobile industrial machinery imported from eligible trade agreement countries. This category includes equipment such as bulldozers and forklifts, which are widely used in construction, logistics and industrial operations.
Some foreign companies may qualify for an even lower tariff rate of 10 per cent on eligible capital equipment. According to the White House statement cited by Reuters, the equipment must contain at least 85 per cent steel or aluminum that was melted, poured, smelted or cast in the United States by weight.
The revised policy does not provide relief across every category. The administration has added steel racks and aluminum lithographic plates to the list of products facing a 25 per cent tariff, creating new costs for businesses that rely on those imported materials.
The changes will take effect for goods imported into the United States or removed from bonded warehouses after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on June 8, 2026. The tariff adjustments are expected to remain in place until December 31, 2027.
The White House said the measures are intended to support near term investments and strengthen the American industrial base. The announcement comes as Canada and the United States continue trade discussions ahead of the upcoming review of the Canada United States Mexico Agreement.
