The U.S. trade landscape continues to evolve under the current administration’s efforts to reshape industrial policy. Most recently, this has led to a substantial expansion of Section 232 tariffs to now include a broader range of aluminum wire and cable products.
Despite concerted lobbying efforts by industry stakeholders, including Classic Wire & Cable and our affiliated trade associations, the U.S. Department of Commerce has officially expanded the scope of Section 232 tariffs as of Monday, August 18, 2025. This action marks a significant shift from prior policy, which had targeted only bare aluminum conductor products.
What’s Changed: New Product Classifications Added
This latest tariff expansion builds on the existing tariff structure that previously only applied to bare aluminum conductors.
The following aluminum products are now subject to the tariff status below:
| Product | HTS Code | Tariff Status |
| 600 V – 1 kV insulated aluminum cables | 8544.49 | Subject to 50% tariff
(Aug 2025) |
| 1 kV and above insulated aluminum cables | 8544.60 | Subject to 50% tariff
(Aug 2025) |
| Bare Aluminum AAC/AAAC | 7614.90 | Subject to 50% tariff
(June 2025) |
| Bare Aluminum ACSR/ACSS | 7614.10 | Subject to 50% tariff
(June 2025) |
These changes span low-, medium-, and high-voltage categories commonly used across industrial, data center, commercial, residential, utility, and renewable energy markets. Notably, copper-based products remain excluded from the scope of these regulations. Importantly, the tariff will be calculated based solely on the aluminum metal content of the product, rather than its total finished value.
Classic Wire’s Position and Response
At Classic Wire & Cable, we understand the operational complexity these regulatory changes may create for our customers and industry partners. In response, we are taking deliberate and proactive steps to ensure tariff calculations are accurate and adhere to the current tariff regulations. Our goal is to ensure continuity and clarity for our customers as we navigate these changes together.
We remain committed to helping you navigate this evolving trade environment with transparency and urgency.
Questions or Guidance
If you would like to learn more about the current Section 232 tariff structure or how these changes may impact your projects or product selections, please contact your CWC regional sales manager or reach out to us at sales@classicwire.com or call us at 800-298-3500.