In June this year, the U.S. doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum, and on their derivatives, from 25% to 50%. This was followed by the Department of Commerce adding 407 product categories to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum goods in August, raising fears of price increases for renewable energy equipment.

While the White House framed the move as a national‑security response to excess global capacity and circumvention, these moves could raise prices for wind turbines, power transformers, insulated cables, and mounting structures.

The Census Bureau’s December 2024 steel import release shows the full‑year total for all steel products. When it comes to monitored steel products, a total of 20,549,401 metric tons worth $23.23 billion were imported.

The tariff increases will also impact Indian exports of steel and aluminum.

India’s monitored‑steel shipments were 257,723 metric tons and $526.28 billion, which is about 1.25% by tons and about 2.27% by value.

The U.S. imported aluminum products totaling 5,429,611 metric tons, worth $17.69 billion. The U.S. Aluminum Import Monitor reports the quantity of Indian aluminum exports to the U.S. in 2024 as 160,125.59 metric tons, worth $445.37 million, which is approximately 2.94% by volume and 2.51% by value.

Using the 2024 trade base, approximately $1 billion of India-origin metals trade with the U.S. falls squarely within the 50% Section 232 tariff zone — $526.28 million worth of steel and $445.37 million worth of aluminum imports.

While the preliminary release for August is yet to be published, the proclamation doubled the tariffs applied under Section 232; importers of those Indian steel and aluminum products now face a 50% duty. This alters landed pricing and margins, potentially leading to a decline in Indian shipments to the U.S. as buyers factor in the new tariffs and seek more competitive markets.

In October last year, Commerce imposed anti-dumping duties at rates ranging from 2.02% to 376.85% and countervailing duties at rates ranging from 1.44% to 168.81% on aluminum extrusions imported from 14 countries, including India.