WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a final rule revising the Section 232 exclusions process for steel and aluminum imports. These changes, available here and effective July 1, 2024, aim to refine the framework under which exclusions from the tariffs on steel and aluminum can be requested, ensuring a fairer and more transparent process. 

The revisions remove twelve General Approved Exclusions (GAEs), six for steel and six for aluminum. The GAEs were originally established to streamline the exclusions process for products consistently found not to be produced in sufficient quantity or quality in the United States. Reversing previous exemptions that facilitated imports of these metals aims to strengthen our U.S. industrial base and our national security by reducing reliance on foreign manufacturing and enhancing domestic production of steel and aluminum.    

“The adjustments to the Section 232 exclusions process reflect our ongoing commitment to calibrating our controls while safeguarding our national security interests,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Administration Thea D. Rozman Kendler. “These revisions are based on careful analysis and public comments to ensure that the exclusions process remains robust and responsive to the changing dynamics of international trade and domestic production capabilities.”  

This final rule is the culmination of thorough public engagement and careful consideration of comments received on the proposed rule published in August 2023. The feedback underscored the necessity of reevaluating specific General Approved Exclusions to uphold the integrity and effectiveness of Section 232 tariffs. BIS remains dedicated to enhancing the fairness and transparency of the exclusions process, affirming our unwavering commitment to safeguarding U.S. national security.   

BIS has administered the Section 232 exclusions process since the imposition of duties on imports of aluminum and steel in 2018, following investigations into the national security impacts of imports of aluminum and steel to the United States. Since 2018, BIS has published multiple rules that established and made various revisions to the Section 232 exclusions process.  

Additional information on the Department’s Section 232 Exclusions process, including past regulations and related materials, are available online at: https://www.commerce.gov/page/section-232-investigations. 

For more information, visit bis.gov.