HS Code:
Aluminum products from member countries of the European Union, as enumerated in U.S. note 19(a)(v) to this subchapter, encompass a range of items including unwrought aluminum, aluminum bars, rods, profiles, wires, plates, sheets, strip, foil, tubes, pipes, and fittings. These products are subject to specific exclusions granted by the Secretary of Commerce under note 19(c), allowing certain quantities to enter the U.S. market under defined conditions. Such goods are counted toward any applicable quantitative limitations until the specified quotas are filled. This category plays a significant role in industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and packaging, with the EU being a major global supplier due to its advanced manufacturing capabilities and established trade relationships with the U.S.
Total Trade Volume
2.5 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) and Eurostat
800,000 metric tons
32% of total EU aluminum exports to the U.S. of total trade
Increasing
500,000 metric tons
20% of total EU aluminum exports to the U.S. of total trade
Stable
400,000 metric tons
16% of total EU aluminum exports to the U.S. of total trade
Increasing
300,000 metric tons
12% of total EU aluminum exports to the U.S. of total trade
Decreasing
200,000 metric tons
8% of total EU aluminum exports to the U.S. of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.7% ad valorem
Highest Rate
10% (on certain unwrought aluminum products under specific conditions)
Lowest Rate
0% (under specific exclusions granted by the Secretary of Commerce)
Increased demand for lightweight materials in automotive and aerospace sectors
Boosts aluminum exports from EU countries, particularly for high-value processed products like sheets and foil used in electric vehicle manufacturing
2022
Shift toward sustainable production practices
EU producers adopting low-carbon aluminum production techniques are gaining competitive advantage in the U.S. market due to environmental regulations and consumer preferences
2021-2023
Fluctuations in global aluminum prices due to energy costs
Higher energy prices in Europe have increased production costs, affecting the competitiveness of EU aluminum in the U.S. market compared to other global suppliers
2022
The U.S. and EU reached an agreement to replace Section 232 tariffs with a tariff-rate quota system for aluminum, allowing a specified volume of EU aluminum to enter the U.S. market tariff-free under exclusions granted by the Secretary of Commerce.
October 2021
Improved market access for EU aluminum producers, stabilizing trade flows and reducing costs for U.S. importers within the quota limits.
The U.S. Department of Commerce expanded the exclusion process under note 19(c), allowing more EU aluminum products to qualify for tariff exemptions if they meet specific criteria and do not threaten national security.
March 2023
Increased flexibility for EU exporters to meet U.S. demand, particularly for specialty aluminum products not readily available from domestic sources.
The EU launched initiatives to promote low-carbon aluminum production, aligning with U.S. environmental goals and influencing trade patterns under exclusion agreements.
June 2022
Encourages U.S. importers to source sustainable aluminum from the EU, potentially increasing trade volumes within quota limits.