TariffsUnited States
US Opts for Negotiations, Not New Tariffs, in Section 232 Wind Turbine Action
A 22 October 2026 proclamation finds wind turbine imports threaten US national security but sets no new tariff. Commerce and USTR must negotiate with trading partners and report within 180 days.
What changed
On 22 October 2026, the US President signed a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 on imports of wind turbines and their parts and components. It follows a Commerce Department investigation, and the President agreed with its finding that these imports "threaten to impair the national security of the United States".
The proclamation does not set a new tariff. Instead, it says: "I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to enter into negotiations with foreign trading partners to adjust the imports of wind turbines and their components and subcomponents to address the national security threat found in this proclamation." Commerce and the US Trade Representative (USTR) are told to pursue those negotiations with trading partners they consider appropriate. No countries are named.
Timeline
"The Secretary and the Trade Representative shall provide at least one of these updates within 180 days of the date of this proclamation." The proclamation also says: "Depending on the status or outcome of such negotiations, I may consider alternative remedies in the future."
Existing Section 232 tariffs
The proclamation notes that certain wind turbine components and subcomponents made of significant amounts of aluminium, steel or copper are already subject to the Section 232 tariffs in Proclamations 9704, 9705 and 10962. It states: "Nothing in this proclamation modifies the tariffs imposed pursuant to Proclamation 9704, as amended; Proclamation 9705, as amended; and Proclamation 10962, as amended, or any other tariffs imposed pursuant to section 232."
Who it affects
US importers of wind turbines and their parts, and overseas manufacturers and exporters that supply the US wind market.
What to watch
- Check whether your components already fall under the steel, aluminium or copper Section 232 tariffs.
- Follow announcements from Commerce and USTR on any negotiated agreements.
- Watch for the first update to the President, due within 180 days of 22 October 2026.
