White House Exempts Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Gold from Reciprocal Tariffs

The US administration has announced exemptions for a number of essential goods, including steel, aluminum, copper, and gold bullion, from retaliatory tariffs, according to an official document distributed by the White House. The White House said that steel and aluminum imports will not be subject to reciprocal tariffs, a move that will at least provide some relief to domestic buyers already subject to 25% duties. The White House stated that steel and aluminum, already subject to Section 232 tariffs, will not be subject to the new tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Gold and copper are also reportedly included in the exemptions. The document also clarified that the tariffs will not include imports of auto parts, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber, as well as energy and some other mineral resources not available in the United States. However, these goods may still be subject to other duties imposed under various trade laws. This decision comes after Washington announced new tariffs on 180 countries and regions. Through these measures, the US administration seeks to reduce the trade deficit and boost domestic production, as part of a broader trend toward stricter protectionist policies.