Silver Intel Report
Trade Policy

Trump Trade Team Working to Scale Back Scope of Metals Tariffs

By Bloomberg Markets February 13, 2026 Neutral
Trump Trade Team Working to Scale Back Scope of Metals Tariffs
The Trump administration is working to narrow its broad tariffs on steel and aluminum products that companies find difficult to calculate and the European Union wants reined in as part of its pending trade deal with the US, a person familiar with the matter said.

AI Analysis

The tariff refinement suggests a more pragmatic trade approach, potentially reducing market volatility and creating more predictable international metal trade conditions. This could positively impact industrial metal supply chains and pricing stability.

In a significant development for global trade policy, the Trump administration is actively working to refine and narrow the scope of its controversial steel and aluminum tariffs, signaling a potential shift in its protectionist trade strategy. The US Trade Representative's Office is now scrambling to resolve complex implementation challenges that have emerged since the initial broad tariff implementation.

Steel manufacturing workers analyzing complex tariff documentation in industrial setting - Silver Intel

The original tariffs, imposed broadly last year, have created substantial calculation difficulties for companies and drawn sharp criticism from international trading partners, particularly the European Union. By seeking to make these tariffs more precise and calculable, the administration aims to create a more navigable trade environment while maintaining core protectionist objectives.

For precious metals investors, these potential tariff adjustments could have meaningful ripple effects across industrial supply chains. The refinement suggests a more nuanced approach to trade policy that could reduce market uncertainty and potentially stabilize pricing mechanisms for critical industrial metals.

Key stakeholders in the metals markets—including mining companies, industrial manufacturers, and commodities traders—are closely monitoring these developments. The potential recalibration of tariffs could significantly impact global metal supply chains and pricing dynamics.

While the exact details of the proposed tariff modifications remain fluid, this strategic realignment indicates the Trump administration's willingness to make tactical adjustments to its trade policy framework. Investors should anticipate potential market repricing as these changes take shape.

Key Takeaways

Topics: trade policysteel tariffsaluminum tariffsTrump administrationmetals markets