Tiếng Việt
中文 (中国)
日本語
Effective March 12, 2025, all aluminum and steel imports into the USA will be subject to a 25% tariff, in line with the prior plan issued by President Donald Trump. The fact that the USA is adhering to this pre-established plan is noteworthy, as President Trump has previously delayed tariff impositions on other countries multiple times. This raises the question of whether the tariffs will persist or if they are merely another political threat—a matter of great interest to global powers.
According to the executive order signed by President Trump on February 10, this tariff will apply uniformly to all countries, with no exceptions or exemptions. He emphasized that the measure aims to boost domestic production and create more jobs for American workers.
This is not the first time the USA has imposed tariffs on imported aluminum and steel. During his first term, President Trump levied a 25% tariff on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum in 2018. However, some trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and Brazil, were later granted exemptions. Under President Joe Biden’s administration, the scope of these exemptions expanded further to include the United Kingdom, Japan, and the European Union (EU).
According to the American Iron and Steel Institute, the top steel suppliers to the USA include Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and Vietnam. In the aluminum sector, Canada accounted for 79% of total imports in the first 11 months of last year, with Mexico also being a key supplier.
On March 11, Canadian Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson stated on CNN that Canada would swiftly implement countermeasures if the USA imposed tariffs on its goods. However, he also emphasized that Canada does not seek escalating trade tensions or a confrontational stance against the USA.
White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro asserted that this is not merely a commercial decision. He explained that the policy is intended to ensure that the USA is no longer dependent on foreign sources for critical industries such as aluminum and steel, while also preventing dumping and safeguarding domestic industries, economic security, and national security.
The import tariffs are expected to benefit USA aluminum and steel manufacturers, as higher import costs will give domestic companies a competitive edge over foreign rivals. Prices for steel from Canada, Brazil, and Mexico are projected to rise significantly.
However, experts warn that these tariffs could increase costs for consumers and industries that rely on aluminum and steel as raw materials. Since these metals are widely used across various industries, higher import tariffs may drive up product prices. For instance, a 25% tariff on steel could raise the price of a $40,000 car by 1–2%.
Additionally, USA exporters may face retaliatory tariffs from other countries, potentially affecting American businesses that sell goods abroad.
For Vietnam, aluminum and steel exports to the USA have already been subject to tariffs of 10% and 25%, respectively, since 2018. Under the new policy, the steel tariff remains unchanged, but the aluminum tariff will increase by an additional 15 percentage points.
The Vietnam Aluminum Extrusion Association (VAA) predicts that foreign-invested enterprises (FDI), which are the primary exporters, will be most affected by this policy.
Nonetheless, some experts believe this could present an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to expand exports to the USA. The absence of exemptions for any country creates a more level playing field for all global suppliers.
Global trade tensions have been rising recently as the USA continues to impose tariffs on multiple trading partners. President Trump has previously placed tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, in addition to raising tariffs on aluminum and steel.
The USA administration is also expected to announce additional tariff measures against several other countries early next month. In response, China and Canada have already retaliated by imposing tariffs on American goods.
To protect their legitimate interests, manufacturers and exporters should familiarize themselves with the procedure and actively contact Vietnamese law firms specializing in anti-dumping and trade remedy for timely assistance.
ASL Law is a leading full-service and independent Vietnamese law firm made up of experienced and talented lawyers. ASL Law is ranked as the top tier Law Firm in Vietnam by Legal500, Asia Law, WTR, and Asia Business Law Journal. Based in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, the firm’s main purpose is to provide the most practical, efficient and lawful advice to its domestic and international clients. If we can be of assistance, please email to info@aslgate.com.
ASL LAW is the top-tier Vietnam law firm for Anti-dumping & countervailing. If you need any advice, please contact us for further information or collaboration.
