U.S. President Donald Trump signs a proclamation amending Section 232 national security tariffs on certain imports of steel, aluminum and copper, including products used in agriculture and industry. Multiple outlets report that some tariffs are lowered from 25% to 15% for specific categories, such as agricultural equipment and parts of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, along with other industrial equipment. One account notes the changes reduce tariffs on items like agricultural equipment and derivative metal products, easing costs for importers and exporters of those categories.
The reports also indicate the proclamation extends a lower 15% rate to additional equipment categories. Korea Times adds that the executive action expands a 15% industrial equipment category to include some mobile industrial equipment, such as bulldozers and forklifts, when imported from countries that have trade arrangements with the United States.
While the documents describe lowered rates for selected goods, they do not broadly remove the existing Section 232 measures. The Korea Times report says the modifications are temporary and are set to expire at the end of 2027. Several outlets state the changes are set to take effect on the date specified by the proclamation.
