The Trade Stack Issue #20 — Section 232 steel/aluminum exemption map revises, AD/CVD on Vietnam plywood, US-China Phase 1 review milestones

This Week in Tariffs

1) Section 232 — steel/aluminum exemption map revises

Commerce revised the country exemption map under Section 232 steel and aluminum this week. The headline rates still stand at 25% (steel) and 10% (aluminum), but several country exemptions — most notably for Australia, Canada, and Mexico in certain scope — were quietly lapsed or narrowed. Importers shipping steel or aluminum from these origins should re-validate Section 232 stacking exposure immediately.

Who's affected: Steel/aluminum importers shipping from previously exempted origins under expanded HTS 72 / 73 / 76 line items. Source: Commerce / Federal Register notice, week of June 8, 2026.

2) AD/CVD — Vietnam plywood petition opens

A new AD/CVD petition opens against Vietnam-origin hardwood plywood (HTS 4412). The Vietnam hardwood plywood industry has been a known transhipment point for China-origin logs and panels, and CBP has been flagging Vietnam plywood entries with quality/sourcing holds on a trial basis. Preliminary rates are expected within 60 days.

Who's affected: Vietnam-origin hardwood plywood importers — HTS 4412.33 / 4412.34. Source: Commerce AD/CVD Access portal, June 2026.

3) Trade policy — US-China Phase 1 review milestones

The US-China Phase 1 agreement milestone review cycles through Q3 2026. The most actionable items for US importers are: (a) any changes to the China Section 301 excluded list, (b) the status of the four lists' continued operation, and (c) any tariff hike/leverage discussions in the trade negotiations channel.

Who's affected: All China-touching importers, particularly any HTS codes recently moved to or from the Section 301 excluded list. Source: USTR / Treasury joint statements, June 2026.

Duty Savings Spotlight

Hardwood plywood vs. softwood plywood — chapter 44 misclassification risk

The hardwood vs. softwood plywood split is a recurring Chapter 44 classification trap. The duty difference is meaningful:

• HTS 4412.33.30 (other plywood, hardwood, ≥4mm but ≤6mm face ply) — 8% MFN currently, but active Vietnam AD/CVD petition likely
• HTS 4412.34.50 (other plywood, softwood) — 3.2% MFN

How to check: Open USTradeStack HTS Classifier and describe the plywood's face ply species, thickness, and surface finish. Confirm active AD/CVD coverage and origin verification. The USITC HTS database is the authoritative source.

Run the HTS Classifier →

Compliance Alert

USMCA formaldehyde compliance — composite wood products

CBP stepped up formaldehyde compliance under the USMCA composite wood products rule (EPA TSCA Title VI alignment). Imported hardwood plywood, MDF, and particleboard must meet the same formaldehyde emission standards as US-domestic products. CBP is intensifying testing and detaining entries where supplier documentation is light.

Impact: Composite wood importers — HTS 4410 / 4411 / 4412 line. Source: USMCA composite wood rule and 40 CFR Part 770 / EPA TSCA Title VI.

Quick check: USTradeStack's Compliance Audit Report covers formaldehyde compliance alongside HTS and origin exposure.

Run the Compliance Audit →

One Tool, One Win — Landed Cost Calculator

Steel and wood-running hotter than commodity calculators tend to budget for. Before you quote a supplier price to your team, run it through this.

1. FOB purchase price + freight + insurance
2. Duty rate by HTS chapter (USITC) + Section 232 stacking
3. MPF + HMF + any active AD/CVD order
4. Total landed cost per unit

Run the Landed Cost Calculator →