US President Donald Trump says he signed proclamation to adjust tariffs on aluminum imports

Trump signed a proclamation to adjust aluminum import tariffs, citing insufficient domestic production. He aims to boost US primary aluminum output via an incentive program for smelter investments.

By Reuters July 21, 2026, 8:02:25 AM IST (Published)

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US President Donald Trump says he signed proclamation to adjust tariffs on aluminum imports
US President Donald Trump said on Monday (July 20) he signed a proclamation ​to adjust tariffs on imports of aluminium into the ‌United States, adding that the domestic production of primary aluminium in the US was currently insufficient.

Here are quotes and details:

  • “In the (Commerce) ​Secretary’s view, it is important to modify the ​aluminium tariff regime in a way to more ⁠effectively encourage increased domestic production of primary aluminium,” ​Trump said in the proclamation released by the White ​House.
  • US demand for primary aluminium currently outpaces the production capacity of US smelting facilities, according to the proclamation.
  • Trump described aluminium as ​being critical to the US economy and defence ​industrial base.
  • The proclamation directed the US Commerce Secretary to establish an ‌incentive ⁠program for companies that will invest in building, expanding, or refurbishing aluminium smelters in the United States, the White House said.
  • The program will request onshoring plans ​from companies ​that, if ⁠approved, will be eligible to import a commensurate level of primary aluminium into the ​United States at a reduced tariff rate ​equal ⁠to half of the otherwise applicable Section 232 rate, the White House said in the proclamation.
  • Section 232 of ⁠the ​Trade Expansion Act of 1962 authorises ​the president to adjust imports found to threaten US national security.