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On Monday, April 20, ASA wrote to the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce to raise urgent concerns about changes to Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper that took effect April 6. The revisions apply duties of up to 25% to the full value of HVACR systems—even when they use U.S.-origin metals—ending an exemption that had supported domestic manufacturing. ASA asked the Administration to exempt HVACR equipment under the revised tariff structure, consistent with the USMCA exemption framework. At minimum, ASA urged a 90-day enforcement delay to avoid sudden cost increases for contractors and consumers.

These tariffs would immediately and significantly affect our members—small businesses in the subcontractor construction and HVACR sectors. Operating on thin margins, many cannot absorb abrupt cost increases. Homeowners, businesses, and public institutions depend on these contractors for essential heating and cooling services that are critical to safety and health, especially during extreme weather.