Changes to Section 232 Tariff Valuation a Welcome Step

Charles Johnson, President & CEO of the Aluminum Association, issued the following statement after the Trump administration's decision to modify the valuation process for Section 232 derivative tariffs of certain aluminum products:

"The Aluminum Association welcomes the Trump administration taking steps to improve the Section 232 tariff regime. In particular, we applaud the move to value aluminum-containing products based on their full value rather than only their aluminum content. This change closes a critical loophole that previously allowed unfairly traded aluminum to enter the U.S. market through downstream goods. We also support efforts to reduce tariff burdens on imported specialty equipment needed for new plants and operations.

We look forward to partnering with the administration to further refine this program. In some markets, the new valuation regime may incentivize importing certain aluminum-intensive products, contrary to the spirit and intention of the rule. The association is working with its member companies to analyze these impacts and to resolve these issues so we can further strengthen U.S. aluminum manufacturing."

The Aluminum Association, which represents companies making 70% of the aluminum and aluminum products shipped in North America, continues to advocate for strong, targeted trade enforcement to support the growing domestic industry. The Trump administration's aluminum derivative tariffs are a critical bulwark against unfair trade. The industry has long documented transshipped metal entering the United States from China and other non-market economies through aluminum end products.