Sizzling Slump in U.S. Imports of German Steel and Aluminum
Decline in U.S. iron and steel imports observed - Decrease in U.S.-bound Exports of Iron and Steel Observed
Get ready for a chill in transatlantic trade, folks! The tariffs on imported steel, iron, and aluminum from the Stateside have caused a dip in German deliveries, and it ain't pretty. According to the Federal Statistical Office, from January through April, German exports of iron and steel, along with iron and steel products, to the Yankee land decreased by 0.4 percent to 1.3 billion euros compared to the preceding year. Aluminum exports took a bigger hit, declining by 1.8 percent to 218 million euros[1].
Since March 12, 2025, Uncle Sam has been throwing some serious weight around with 25% additional tariffs on the import of iron, hot-rolled steel, aluminum, and goods made from them. On June 4, 2025, those tariffs bumped up to 50%[2].
But don't get your dander up just yet! The declines in iron and steel trade with the U.S. were lower compared to the overall decline in German iron and steel exports[1]. The United States clocked in at the sixth-largest customer for iron and steel from German production, but overall, the Federal Office saw a decline of 4.2 percent to 20.7 billion euros in exports in the first four months of the year[1].
As for aluminum, the U.S. slides to the tenth position in the customer rankings. In the first four months, German manufacturers shipped more aluminum and aluminum products than the previous year, raking in 6.4 billion euros - a zone-out worthy 8% increase[1].
Wanna know more about those tariffs? Here's the lowdown[1][3]:
- The 50% Section 232 duty slaps on the value of the steel or aluminum content of the imported products.
- If the value of the metal content is unknown, the duty applies to the entire entered value.
- Reciprocal tariffs hit the non-steel or non-aluminum content of the articles, but the steel and aluminum content solely face Section 232 duties.
From June 4, 2025, the tariff rates on iron, steel, and aluminum exports from the United States to Germany stand at:
| Product | Tariff Rate on Exports from U.S. to Germany (EU) after June 4, 2025 ||-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|| Steel | 50% || Aluminum | 50% |
These tariffs mark the latest policy changes under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, aiming to safeguard the U.S. steel and aluminum industries from international pressures[1][2][3].
[1] European Commission - Steel and aluminum tariffs: key points to know[2] U.S. Department of Commerce - Section 232 reports[3] International Trade Administration - Imposition of Section 232 Additional Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports: Determination of Country-Specific Aluminum and Steel Product Exclusion Lists for All Exclusions Requested on or Before December 28, 2018
- The Community policy or EU regulations regarding imported goods may need to address the 50% Section 232 duty on hot-rolled steel and aluminum imports from the United States, as this has significantly impacted transatlantic trade.
- Given the impacts of the recent employment policy changes under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on sports equipment manufacturers relying on steel and aluminum imports from the United States, it might be necessary to consider alternative suppliers or implement cost adjustments in the employment policy to mitigate the financial impacts.
