US Import Tariff for Aluminum from China

Aluminum imports from China are subject to a 50% Section 232 tariff as of 2025, significantly increased from the original 10% rate imposed in 2018. This tariff applies to most unwrought and semi-finished aluminum products under HTS Chapter 76. Combined with MFN duties, Section 301 tariffs, and anti-dumping/countervailing duties, the total effective tariff rate on Chinese aluminum can exceed 150%.

Tariff Breakdown

Tariff Component	Rate	Applies To
MFN Duty	0% - 6.5%	All aluminum products (varies by HTS code)
Section 232	50%	Unwrought and semi-finished aluminum from China
Section 301	25%	Specific aluminum products on Lists 1-4
AD/CVD	0% - 150%+	Product-specific (see active orders below)

Notable AD/CVD Orders on Chinese Aluminum

Product	AD Rate	CVD Rate	Total AD/CVD
Aluminum Foil	96.81% - 162.24%	17.12% - 81.32%	~114% - ~244%
Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet	59.72%	48.64%	~108%
Aluminum Extrusions	86.01%	41.68%	~128%

Note: AD/CVD rates vary by manufacturer. The rates above represent approximate ranges. Check the Commerce Department AD/CVD case database for specific company rates.

Section 232 Coverage: What's Affected

Covered Products (Subject to 50% Section 232)

• Unwrought aluminum (HTS 7601) — ingots, billets, slabs, pigs
• Aluminum bars, rods, and profiles (HTS 7604)
• Aluminum plates, sheets, and strip (HTS 7606)
• Aluminum foil (HTS 7607)
• Aluminum tubes and pipes (HTS 7608, 7609)

Not Covered (Exempt from Section 232)

• Finished consumer products containing aluminum (electronics, appliances)
• Aluminum cans and can stock in certain finished forms
• Aluminum articles classified under other HTS chapters (e.g., vehicle parts under Chapter 87)

Calculation Example

For aluminum extrusions from China (CIF value: $10,000):

Component	Rate	Duty Amount
MFN Duty	0%	$0
Section 232	50%	$5,000
Section 301	25%	$2,500
AD/CVD	~128%	$12,800
Total	~203%	$20,300

Compliance Requirements

1. Import Documentation

• Commercial invoice with accurate HTS code and country of origin
• Mill test certificate showing aluminum alloy and temper
• Certificate of origin (preferential origin if applicable)
• Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean shipments
• Customs bond

2. Country of Origin Rules

For aluminum products, country of origin is generally determined by where the aluminum was smelted and cast (for unwrought) or where the substantial transformation occurred (for semi-finished products). Transshipping through a third country does not change the origin.

3. Section 232 Exclusion Process

Importers can request product-specific exclusions through the Commerce Department exclusions portal. Exclusions are granted when:

• The product is not available from US producers in sufficient quantity
• The product is not available in the required quality
• National security considerations justify the exclusion

Exclusions are valid for one year and can be renewed.

4. Marking and Labeling

Aluminum products must be marked with country of origin in accordance with 19 CFR Part 134. For aluminum sheet and foil, the marking should be on the packaging or container.

Strategic Sourcing Alternatives

Given the high tariffs on Chinese aluminum, many importers have diversified sourcing:

Country	Section 232 Rate	AD/CVD Risk	Notes
Canada	0% (USMCA)	Low	Largest aluminum supplier to the US
Mexico	0% (USMCA)	Low	Strong extrusion industry
South Korea	10% (quota)	Low	Limited to quota volumes
UAE	25%	Low	Growing smelting capacity
Bahrain	0% (FTA)	Low	FTA partner

How HSBot Can Help

Use HSBot to:

1. Find the correct HTS code for your aluminum product (HTS Chapter 76)
2. Calculate total tariff including all applicable layers
3. Verify Section 232 coverage for your specific product
4. Compare sourcing countries to optimize tariff costs

Related Resources

• Complete Guide to US Import Tariffs — Comprehensive overview of all US tariff types
• Section 232 Tariff Guide — Detailed guide on Section 232 tariffs
• US Import Tariff for Steel from China — Steel-specific tariff breakdown