in effect
Proclamation 11045, signed July 20, 2026, is a presidential action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 that modifies the existing aluminum import tariff system on national security grounds. It creates a new investment incentive program administered by the Secretary of Commerce for companies that commit to building, expanding, or refurbishing U.S. facilities that produce primary aluminum.
Companies that submit and receive approval for an “onshoring plan” — a commitment to build, expand, or refurbish a U.S. primary aluminum production facility, with construction starting by January 20, 2029 — may import primary aluminum at half the otherwise-applicable Section 232 tariff rate. The reduced-rate import allowance is sized to match the facility’s reasonably anticipated annual production output once the project is complete. For refurbishment projects specifically, the tariff benefit is capped in proportion to the value of the company’s investment. The Secretary of Commerce can revoke benefits — retroactively in cases of fraud — and may require audited compliance reports. All other aluminum tariffs from prior proclamations remain in effect and unchanged.
U.S. and foreign companies that produce or plan to produce primary aluminum (the raw smelted metal, as distinct from downstream aluminum products) are the primary audience, as they can apply for the reduced tariff benefit. Importers of primary aluminum who do not participate in the program continue to pay the full Section 232 duty rates established in earlier proclamations.