The US Department of Commerce (DOC) established a formal process on March 16 for how automakers, pipeline operators and other companies with relevant domestic business activities can seek exemptions from new import steel (25 percent) and aluminum (10 percent) tariffs.
Under the new rule, a company can ask the DOC for an exemption from the tariffs if the product is not produced in the US in a sufficient and reasonably available amount, or is not produced at a satisfactory quality, or on the grounds of national security.
The US DOC’s Bureau of Industry and Security promised to move swiftly, asserting that its review of exclusion applications normally will take 90 days or less, including the time needed to consider objections to proposed waivers which will be required within 30 days of application.
The tariff is scheduled to begin March 23, 2018.