By Daniel Vaugeois, Customs Compliance and Logistics Strategist at CQI

On June 1, 2026, the President of the United States signed a new Executive Order amending the Section 232 tariff regimes.

These new tariff rules came into effect on June 8, 2026. They affect a range of products containing steel, aluminum, and copper, with potentially significant implications for Canadian manufacturers and exporters. These measures will remain in effect until December 31, 2027.

Summary of Key Changes

Lower Threshold for U.S.-Origin Metal Content

The threshold for a product to be considered "made entirely from U.S. metals" has been reduced from 95% to 85%, with the goal of encouraging greater use of U.S.-origin steel, aluminum, and copper in downstream products.

Additional Products Subject to U.S. Tariffs

Aluminum lithographic printing plates and steel shelving and shelving parts are now subject to a 25% duty under Section 232.

The following tariff codes have been added to Annex I-B of the Executive Order:

• 3701.30.00
• 9403.20.00.75
• 9403.20.00.82
• 9403.99.90.40

New Tariffs on Mobile Industrial Equipment

Annex I-C has been added to the Executive Order. Products listed in Annex I-C are subject to a new temporary tariff structure through December 31, 2027.

The standard duty rate is 25%, with reduced rates available for imports originating from countries that are parties to trade agreements with the United States, including goods qualifying under CUSMA/USMCA from Canada and Mexico.

Importers may be eligible for a 0% duty rate on the U.S.-origin content of a product, up to a maximum of 40% of the article's total declared value.

Parts Used in Agricultural and Industrial Equipment: New Temporary Tariff Structure

Certain parts classified under Chapters 84, 85, or 87 and used exclusively in the manufacture of agricultural equipment, stationary industrial equipment, or mobile industrial equipment are subject to a new temporary tariff structure through December 31, 2027.

These products may qualify for a reduced duty rate of:

• 10% if the product contains 85% or more U.S.-origin metals, or
• 15% if the product contains less than 85% U.S.-origin metals.

For a list of eligible tariff codes, please consult the Metals HTS List document.

CQI continues to monitor developments related to U.S. tariffs, Section 232 measures, and their impact on Canadian exports to the United States.

If you require assistance from our tariff and customs specialists, please contact us at: 📧 ciqmo@ciqmo.ca 📧 j.rossiter@ciqmo.ca