The US Department of Commerce has granted exemptions for imports of 161 aluminium and 36 steel products from the duties which the USA imposed against foreign imports.
On March 8, the President signed a Proclamation imposing a 10 percent ad valorem tariff on imports of aluminium articles plus 25 percent ad valorem tariff on imports of steel articles for national security purposes.
The government of South Africa requested a country exemption from the US government from Section 232 duties. In addition, South Africa encouraged domestic exporters of steel and aluminium to ask their buyers and distributors to apply for product exemption.