Trump eases aluminium and copper tariffs to accelerate domestic manufacturing investment

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US President Donald Trump has signed a new proclamation revising tariffs on selected aluminium, copper and iron imports, introducing temporary changes aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing investment while maintaining protection for key American metal industries.

Under the revised framework, tariffs on certain steel and aluminium derivative products -including some agricultural machinery, residential heating systems, air conditioning units and ventilation equipment - will be reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent.

The proclamation also widens the category of industrial products eligible for a 15 per cent tariff treatment. Mobile industrial equipment such as bulldozers and forklifts imported from countries covered under US trade agreements will now qualify for the lower rate.

At the same time, the administration introduced an incentive for foreign manufacturers using American-made metals in their equipment. Companies whose capital equipment contains at least 85 per cent US melted and poured or smelted and cast steel or aluminium by weight will be eligible for a reduced 10 per cent tariff rate.

While easing duties on some products, the order also expands the list of derivative items facing higher import tariffs. Steel racks and aluminium lithographic plates have been added to the categories subject to 25 per cent duties.

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According to the White House, the revised measures are intended to remain in force until December 31, 2027, with the goal of supporting near-term industrial investment and strengthening the country’s manufacturing base. The tariff adjustments will apply to goods imported or withdrawn from bonded warehouses from June 8.

Investment activity is also increasing across the aluminium and copper sectors. Earlier this year, Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminum announced a joint venture to build a new aluminium smelter in Oklahoma, marking the first such project in the United States in decades.

Companies including Highland Copper, Ivanhoe Electric, Rio Tinto and Wieland are also expanding US copper mining, smelting and fabrication operations.

The White House said the latest tariff revisions are designed to preserve the competitiveness of domestic producers while encouraging manufacturers to increase the use of US-processed steel and aluminium in industrial equipment and infrastructure projects.

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