A Guide to Trump’s Section 232 Tariffs, in Maps

Section 232 tariffs aim to protect U.S. national security. Created by the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 232 empowers the president to charge duties pending the results of a Department of Commerce investigation into the imports’ effects on national security. President Donald Trump’s administration has already used this tool to raise levies on aluminum, cars and car parts, copper, furniture, lumber, steel, and timber—and has launched Section 232 investigations into ten other types of products.  

These graphics dive into each sector, laying out the scale of imports, their concentration by country, and the geopolitics of exporting nations, separating friends—NATO members, major non-NATO allies, and free trade agreement (FTA) partners—from potential foes.

Steel and Aluminum

In 2018, Trump imposed Section 232 tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum. He re-upped duties quickly after reentering office, placing 25 percent tariffs on both metals in February 2025, then doubling fees to 50 percent in June. In August, Trump broadened the scope of the tariffs, taxing the steel and aluminum content of goods ranging from motorcycles to lawn mowers. The United Kingdom (UK) continues to face 25 percent tariffs, despite inking a trade deal with the United States in May with the promise to “make progress towards 0 percent tariffs on core steel products as agreed.” The United States will also consider reduced tariff-rate quotas for steel, aluminum, and derivative products from the European Union (EU).

There are carve-outs. The order exempts some products made from steel and aluminum if the steel was melted and poured—or the aluminum smelted and cast—in the United States. Otherwise, it taxes only the dollar value of their steel or aluminum content.

The United States imports just 25 percent of its steel, but Americans rely on imports for around half of their aluminum. That number is even higher for specialized aluminum used in many electronics, aerospace products, and defense equipment.

While the Trump administration’s tariffs aim to counter the flood of Chinese steel and aluminum in global markets, our recent expert brief shows they hit U.S. allies hard, as China ships little directly to the United States. Instead, Canada is the top foreign supplier of both metals. Its exports make up more than a fifth of U.S. steel imports and nearly half of aluminum products. 

But Section 232 levies on steel and aluminum derivative products still directly affect China. China supplies 14 percent of the imports whose steel content is now subject to Section 232 tariffs—second only to Mexico. Mexico and China are also the leading suppliers of goods taxed on their aluminum content. Mexico accounts for roughly 16 percent of said imports, China 13 percent, and Canada 9 percent.

Copper

On August 1, Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on semi-finished copper products and certain copper derivative products. Trump stopped short of raising levies on refined copper, which accounts for roughly half of all U.S. copper imports. Copper is important to American businesses that use the metal for tech devices and power grid components as well as in homes and autos.

The United States imports around 45 percent of its copper. Over half of copper imports subject to Section 232 tariffs come from three countries. Mexico ships the most—supplying 22 percent of U.S. imports—followed by China, which sends 17 percent, and Canada at 14 percent.

Autos and Auto Parts

In March, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on imported cars, small trucks, engines, and other auto parts. This is one of the largest markets affected by Section 232 tariffs, as the United States imports more than $640 billion in autos and auto parts every year.

Here, too, there are carve-outs. Automakers can receive a rebate on a percentage of the foreign-supplied parts in cars assembled in the United States equal to 3.75 percent of the vehicle’s suggested retail price for one year and 2.5 percent the second year. Autos imported from the EU, Japan, and South Korea face a lower 15 percent rate—though South Korea has yet to formalize its trade agreement. As part of the U.S.-UK deal, one hundred thousand vehicles made in the UK are charged just 10 percent. Autos that comply with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are charged tariffs on the portion that is not made in the United States—as long as it meets the treaty’s rules of origin requirements.

The United States imports nearly half of all new cars sold. Most come from six countries—Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and the UK—which are all close trading partners. Mexico alone exports a third of those cars.

Close to 60 percent of the parts used in American auto plants are imported. While a majority do come from close trading partners, China is second only to Mexico as a parts supplier. Together, the two countries account for more than half of all U.S. auto part imports.

Timber, Lumber, and Furniture

Beginning October 14, the Trump administration will impose a 10 percent tariff on softwood timber and lumber and a 25 percent tariff on upholstered wooden furniture and kitchen cabinets. On January 1, the levies on upholstered furniture—such as couches, sofas, and chairs—will rise to 30 percent and kitchen cabinets will see an increase to 50 percent. Tariffs on wood products from the UK will be capped at 10 percent, while Japan and the EU face a 15 percent tariff ceiling. 

The United States imports roughly 30 percent of the lumber that it consumes. A third of the wood products subject to Section 232 levies are sourced from Canada. Vietnam sends 26 percent, followed by China which ships 11 percent. The U.S. lumber industry has sought restrictions on Canadian lumber imports for the past 25 years, which they allege receives unfair Canadian subsidies. They also have accused Canada of dumping its lumber in the U.S. market.

Trucks

The Trump administration is investigating the national security threat of imported medium- and heavy-duty trucks, including buses, vans, and tractor trucks. 

Nearly half of the trucks sold in the United States are made abroad. Truck imports are more concentrated than cars, relying primarily on just two partners: Mexico and Canada. The countries account for over 80 percent of the trucks that enter the U.S. market, with Japan trailing far behind at 6 percent. China accounts for less than 1 percent of U.S. truck imports.

However, the administration could potentially carve out similar exemptions for USMCA-compliant trucks and truck parts, as it did for autos.

Commercial Aircraft and Jet Engines

The Trump administration is investigating imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related parts. Japan, the EU, and the UK have received tariff exemptions for aircraft and aircraft parts, while Brazil receives a lower 10 percent rate compared to 50 percent for most of its exports. 

Despite being a net aerospace exporter, the United States last year imported $33 billion more than it exported in commercial aircraft, jet engines, and parts. Close to 50 percent of these imports come from the European Union and a quarter from Canada. Meanwhile, the UK supplies 8 percent, while less than 3 percent come from China and India combined.

Pharmaceuticals

The Trump administration is investigating U.S. pharmaceutical imports, including drugs, critical inputs such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and derivative products. The U.S.-UK trade deal promised carve-outs for British pharmaceuticals, though none have been finalized. The U.S.-EU agreement set a 15 percent tariff ceiling on the bloc’s pharmaceutical exports. Japan’s pharmaceuticals will receive the lowest tariff rate of any country, according to the country’s leading trade negotiator. The EU and Japan also secured tariff exemptions for generic pharmaceuticals and their ingredients. The Trump administration will grant a three-year tariff reprieve to Pfizer as part of a recent agreement where the company agreed to lower certain drug prices by up to 85 percent. Trump also pledged to exempt drug companies constructing plants in the United States. 

The United States imports nearly 80 percent of generic drug tablets and capsules and half of all branded drugs.

While Ireland is the top pharmaceutical supplier by value, this is partly the result of tax dodging by American companies. When measured by weight, the United States depends on China for 44 percent of all pharmaceutical imports. 

Additionally, the United States sources 88 percent of its APIs from abroad. India leads, accounting for 32 percent of the APIs in American drugs. The EU supplies a fifth, and China ships 8 percent.

Yet, the passthrough of Chinese APIs through third countries masks U.S. dependence on its adversary. Roughly 70 percent of India’s APIs come from China. And China and India together account for between 60 and 80 percent of the APIs in European medicines.

Semiconductors

The Trump administration is reviewing whether to impose tariffs on semiconductors, the equipment used to manufacture them, and the products made with them. The EU secured a 15 percent tariff ceiling on its semiconductor exports, and Japan will pay the lowest tariff rate of any country. Trump signaled that he may exempt firms from tariffs if they move production to the United States.

The United States relies heavily on foreign suppliers for these goods, importing over $200 billion more than it exported in 2024. And while Washington is working to ramp up domestic semiconductor production through subsidies provided in the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act due to national security concerns, it still relies on imported chips, as well as imported material and chemical inputs. It also depends on testing and packaging abroad, often importing or reimporting its final chips.

Imports are highly concentrated, with five countries providing nearly 80 percent of U.S. semiconductor-tied imports. China tops the list, supplying more than a quarter of imports. It leads assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP) globally, and is home to nearly a third of ATP facilities, including for many U.S.-owned firms. Taiwan supplies almost one fifth of U.S. imports, sending both wafers and finished chips. Mexico ranks third, holding steady at 15 percent over the past decade, though that may rise as Taiwan-based electronics manufacturer Foxconn brings new ATP capacity online as soon as late 2025 or early 2026.

Processed Critical Minerals

The Trump administration is considering tariffs on processed critical minerals and derivative products that use them, such as batteries and wind turbines.

The United States sources twelve critical minerals entirely from abroad. And it depends on imports for more than half of domestic demand for another twenty-eight critical minerals out of the fifty identified by the U.S. Geological Survey as vital to the U.S. economy and national security.

Imports of critical minerals are less concentrated than in other categories under investigation, and no single country dominates. South Africa leads with 16 percent, mainly sending the platinum, rhodium, and palladium used in catalytic converters. Canada follows closely at 15 percent, sending significant amounts of uranium for nuclear power and zinc to coat steel. 

While overall, China accounts for just 6 percent of imports, the United States is heavily dependent on its competitor and rival for specific critical minerals. China supplies nearly 70 percent of U.S. rare earth imports and close to half of imported arsenic, antimony, and tantalum. China’s domination of 90 percent of global gallium production, meanwhile, leaves the U.S. price vulnerable, even as it brings in most of its international supply from other countries. And, as seen recently, China has a chokehold on certain products made from critical minerals, including rare earth magnets used in cars, planes, and all kinds of electronics.

Drones

The Trump administration is investigating imports of drones and their parts and components. In 2018, Trump imposed 25 percent tariffs on Chinese drones under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. Former President Joe Biden extended the Section 301 tariffs, which currently remain in effect. 

Americans import nearly half a million drones a year, outpacing domestic manufacturers which currently produce less than one hundred thousand. Agriculture, construction, energy, and other industries rely on drones to spray crops, inspect infrastructure, conduct land surveys, and more. 

Over half of U.S. drone imports are sourced from Malaysia. China supplies 18 percent, followed by Vietnam, which sends 13 percent. 

Yet, Malaysia’s lead masks U.S. dependence on Chinese-owned companies. Chinese drone maker DJI—whose manufacturing is based in China and Malaysia—controls more than 70 percent of the U.S. commercial market alone. And Chinese companies dominate the manufacturing of key drone components such as airframes, batteries, radios, and propellers.

Polysilicon

The Trump administration is investigating imports of polysilicon and its derivatives. The administration has not defined polysilicon derivatives for the purposes of the Section 232 investigation. 

Polysilicon is a key input in the manufacturing of solar panels. The material is first turned into solar wafers, which are then fabricated into cells and assembled into modules. Though solar accounts for over 80 percent of polysilicon demand, the material is also used in semiconductors and consumer electronics. 

In 2018, Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese polysilicon under Section 301. He also set tariffs on solar imports under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974, which Biden extended in 2022 for another four years—with some exemptions. On January 1, Biden upped levies on Chinese polysilicon and solar wafers to 50 percent. And in April, the Commerce Department announced antidumping and countervailing duties as high as 3,521 percent on solar cells and panels imported from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Though the United States is a net polysilicon exporter, it relies on imports for certain products in the solar supply chain that use polysilicon. The United States has no domestic production of solar wafers, with China controlling around 97 percent of global production. According to Rhodium Group, the domestic manufacturing capacity for solar cells is roughly 24 percent of current deployment levels, while the United States produces more solar modules than are deployed domestically. 

U.S. polysilicon and solar imports are concentrated in a handful of countries, most in Southeast Asia. Vietnam sends the most—around a third—followed by Thailand, which supplies nearly a fifth. China accounts for just 1 percent of U.S. solar imports. Yet China controls over 80 percent of the global solar supply chain, with Chinese-owned companies setting up export hubs across Southeast Asia in recent years. 

Wind Turbines

The Trump administration launched a probe into imports of wind turbines and their parts and components. Wind turbines already face tariffs on their steel and aluminum content under Section 232. A separate ongoing Section 232 investigation into processed critical minerals and their derivative products includes wind turbines in its scope. And the United States has imposed antidumping and countervailing duties on wind towers imported from a number of countries, including China, Malaysia, and Vietnam. 

Approximately two-thirds of the value of a typical U.S. wind turbine is imported, according to estimates by Wood Mackenzie. The United States is heavily dependent on imports for parts such as blades, drivetrains, and electrical systems. 

Germany supplies nearly a quarter of U.S. wind turbine imports, followed by Mexico, which ships one fifth. China accounts for roughly 5 percent of U.S. imports.

Medical Equipment

The administration is investigating imports of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical consumables—such as syringes and bandages—and medical equipment and devices, including wheelchairs, hospital beds, and hearing aids. Trump imposed tariffs on certain medical supplies from China during his first term under Section 301. Biden announced higher Section 301 levies for Chinese facemasks, gloves, needles, respirators, and syringes in 2024.

The United States imported $43 billion more than it exported in medical goods last year. Around 75 percent of medical devices marketed in the United States are manufactured abroad. And Americans rely heavily on imports for PPE, with over 90 percent of U.S medical gear produced in China.

China and Mexico are the two leading suppliers of U.S. imports of medical goods—each ships 16 percent. 

Robots and Industrial Machinery

The Trump administration is reviewing whether to impose tariffs on imports of robotics and industrial machinery.

The United States is a net importer of these goods, importing $25 billion more than it exported last year. The United States has no major company mass-producing industrial robots and few domestic component suppliers.

Most U.S. imports of industrial robots and machinery come from allies—Germany, Canada, Japan, and Italy supply half of all imports. China ships 8 percent. 

Data Note: Autos include USMCA-compliant content from Canada and Mexico, which is not subject to Section 232 tariffs. “U.S. allies” include North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members or “Major Non-NATO Allies” as defined by the U.S. Department of State. U.S. law specifies that Taiwan is treated as an ally but not designated as such. “FTA partners” include countries with a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States as defined by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. 

Will Merrow created the graphics for this article.