INCREASED TARIFFS ON CERTAIN STEEL AND ALUMINUM PRODUCTS LIKELY
President Trump has indicated that he intends to proceed with imposing increased tariffs on certain imported steel and aluminum products, which could take effect as early as 15 days after the President makes a formal decision. The new tariffs will be based upon the recommendations contained in the Department of Commerce’s (“DOC”) reports on the impact of steel and aluminum imports on national security pursuant to the DOC’s self-initiated investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The Reports were issued on January 11 for steel and January 17 for aluminum products. In the reports, the DOC recommended various actions to reduce the level of imports of these products including import quotas and/or increased tariffs (see below).