50% Steel-Aluminum Tariffs Threatened with Narrowing
President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly preparing steps to narrow the scope of the 50% tariff on steel and aluminum—particularly for derivative products, which have been causing headaches for companies due to the need to calculate the metal content of each imported item. This move is considered to help US-EU trade talks, which have been sensitive due to the expanding list of tariffed goods.
Sources familiar with the discussions said the US Trade Representative (USTR) is trying to "tidy up" the complications that arise when the list of derivative products is expanded, including technical implementation issues at customs. USTR Jamieson Greer previously acknowledged "complexities" and that the government wants to make the policy more smoothly implemented on the ground.
News of this potential adjustment was immediately felt in the metals market. Aluminum prices fell 1.36% on February 13, 2026, to around US$3,055/ton, reflecting investor response to the prospect of a narrower tariff regime (and potential changes in supply/cost flows).
From a political-economic perspective, the tariff issue has also drawn increasing attention, as several studies and discussions in Congress have assessed that the costs of tariffs are largely "landed" on US consumers and businesses, contrary to the narrative that foreign exporters bear the brunt. If derivative tariffs are truly reduced or suspended, this could be a "small win" for US-EU negotiations—especially as the EU is concerned that overly broad metals tariffs could undermine the framework of the trade agreement and the tariff limits that have been discussed.
Source: Newsmaker.id
