In a move that reinforces his protectionist policy, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order No. 14289, raising ad valorem tariffs on imports of steel, aluminum, and their derivative products from 25% to 50% from all countries except the United Kingdom. The measure will take effect this month. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. (Eastern Time).
The decision is based on recommendations from the Secretary of Commerce, who concluded that the volume and conditions of importation of these products continue to threaten national security, pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
"Despite the tariffs imposed in 2018 and 2020, the domestic steel and aluminum industries have not reached the capacity utilization levels necessary to ensure their sustainability and meet national defense needs., President Trump said. “CWith this adjustment we seek to more effectively counteract the dumping of low-priced surpluses by foreign countries that distort the U.S. market and weaken our critical industries.".
British exception. Under the U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Agreement signed on May 8, 2025, British steel and aluminum imports will maintain a 25% tariff, subject to review beginning July 9, 2025. The Secretary of Commerce may adjust this tariff or establish import quotas if the United Kingdom is found to be in non-compliance.
Tariffs will be levied only on the actual steel and aluminum content of imported goods, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue strict guidelines for properly declaring the content, including severe penalties for noncompliance.
Other key provisions. In compliance with the new Executive Order, the following will be provided:
- Tariffs will apply only to the actual steel and aluminum content of imported items (Chapters 73 and 76 of the U.S. Harmonized System of Measures).
- Foreign trade zones will have to meet new conditions to admit products subject to the new tariffs.
- Executive Order 14289 was amended to align this policy with other trade measures in place.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue strict guidelines for properly declaring steel and aluminum content, including severe penalties for noncompliance.
Impact in Argentina and official mission in WashingtonArgentina is among the countries affected by this measure, as the United States is one of the main destinations for Argentina's steel and aluminum exports. In 2024, Argentine sales of steel products to the US market exceeded $200 million, with significant participation from companies such as Ternium and Aluar.
Faced with the tightening of the tariff system, the Argentine government decided to send an official delegation to Washington to try to preserve the conditions for access to the US market. According to the newspaper Clarín, the Secretary of Industry and Commerce, Pablo Lavigne, and the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade, Carolina Cuenca—both reporting to the Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo—traveled last weekend to the US capital, where they will remain until next Friday to resume talks with the White House.
Executive Order No. 14289, signed by President Donald J. Trump, is available for review. here.
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