In two separate presidential proclamations signed April 2, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered changes to U.S. steel, copper and aluminum tariffs that would simplify the regime for low metal content goods and authorized new tariffs of up to 100% on certain imported pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical tariffs on countries with which the United States has signed trade agreements since Trump took office will face a 15% tariff cap, as agreed to in most of those deals.

The steel and aluminum tariff changes kept most tariffs at 50%. Under the system, goods with below 15% content in steel, copper and aluminum will be exempt from the tariffs, while tariffs on some derivative goods will decrease to 50%. Products made abroad using U.S. steel, copper and aluminum will be tariffed at 10%. The pharmaceutical tariff covers patented goods and will come into effect in 120 days for large companies and 180 days for smaller companies. Both tariff regimes are being implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.