Since 2004, Hihaus has been supplying aluminum windows and doors (HTS 7610.10) to several markets. And there is one thing we have clearly felt over the last eight years, it is that tariff policies feel like a roller coaster. Every few months, there seems to be a new change: Section 232 adjustments, Section 301 revisions, or sudden emergency surcharges. These shifts make it challenging for importers and builders to manage their costs. Now that Donald Trump has returned to office and the new tariff authority will take effect on January 10, 2025, many U.S. importers and contractors are asking an important question: Will the tariffs on aluminum windows and doors finally decrease, or should we expect another round of higher rates in 2026? At Hihaus, we always keep a close eye on these updates and stay in touch with our U.S. clients so we can tackle market changes together. Luckily, one of our clients in California recently shared real feedback with us. On November 20th, Mr.Thomas cleared customs for the shipment of his sliding window and told us that the tariff rate had dropped from 83.2% to 73.2%. This 10% decline is a meaningful improvement and something worth noting. With the current tariff rate now at 73.2%, we think it is time to revisit how tariffs have changed over the past eight years, to analyze what kind of shifts may appear next, and most importantly, to realize what the aluminum windows and doors(HTS 7610.10) importer should do. Historical Evolution of Tariffs (2017-2025) Aluminum doors, windows, and frames under HTS 7610.10 have been hit by three primary policy tools: Section 232 (national security tariffs on metals), Section 301 (tariffs specifically targeting China), and IEEPA (emergency tariffs added in 2025). No. Effective Date Event / Policy Combined Rate Before CombinedRate After Sub-Rates Base /Sec.232 /Sec.301/ IEEPA Reason/LegalBasis 1 Before 2018 Baseline MFN duty, no surcharges 5.7 5.7 5.7 / 0 / 0 / 0 Standard MFN rate under U.S. HTS. 2 2018-06-01 Section 232 (Aluminum) + 10 % 5.7 15.7 5.7 / 10 / 0 / 0 National-security tariffs on aluminum (Trade Expansion Act of 1962 §232) . 3 2019-09-01 Section 301 "List 4A" + 15 % 15.7 30.7 5.7 / 10 / 15 / 0 USTR tariffs on Chinese goods over IP and techtransfer issues 4 2020-02-14 Section 301 reduced to 7.5 % 30.7 23.2 5.7 / 10 / 7.5 / 0 U.S.– China "Phase One" trade deal tariff reduction. 5 2025-02-01 IEEPA Tariff + 10 % 23.2 33.2 5.7 / 10 / 7.5 / 10 EO 14195 imposed emergency tariffs under IEEPA,citing fentanylrelated concerns. 6 2025- 03- 03 IEEPA raised to 20 % 33.2 43.2 5.7 / 10 / 7.5 / 20 EO 14228 doubled the IEEPA surcharge to pressure Beijing on enforcement. 7 2025- 03-12 Section 232 (Aluminum Derivatives) →25 % 43.2 58.2 5.7 / 25 / 7.5 / 20 Expansion of §232 to aluminum "derivatives,"including HTS 7610.10. 8 2025- 06- 04 Section 232 raised to 50 % 58.2 83.2 5.7 / 50 / 7.5 / 20 Presidential Proclamation increased aluminum tariffs to 50 %. 9 2025-11-10 IEEPA reduced to 10 % 83.2 73.2 5.7 / 50 / 7.5 / 10 White House eased IEEPA rate following fentanyl- control cooperation. The total tariff load jumped from 5.7% in 2017 to a peak of 83.2% in mid-2025 — the highest level ever for this product category. The steepest climbs came from Section 232 and the new IEEPA emergency surcharge. Section 301 has stayed relatively small percentage-wise, but it still matters because it directly targets Chinese-origin goods. As of late 2025, with the IEEPA rate reduced in November, the current effective rate sits around 73.2%. Will tariffs on aluminum windows drop in 2026? Even though tariffs are still sitting at a historically high level, the recent 10 percent drop is honestly a pretty good sign. It shows that both China and the United States are taking a more positive, cooperative attitude toward their economic relationship. Compared with the tense, hard-to-predict atmosphere of the past few years, the market now feels noticeably more flexible. In the latest round of China–U.S. talks, along with several public statements from the U.S. government, there have been hints that some tariffs might be adjusted in 2026. Some could be eased, and a few might even be suspended. Nothing official has been announced yet, but the discussion is clearly shifting toward keeping the supply chain stable and making sure U.S. importers and contractors can reliably get the building materials they need. For many buyers who have struggled with constant tariff fluctuations, this shift brings more than just relief. It brings back confidence to plan ahead. Over the past few months, we took a deep dive into the current tariff structure and reviewed how different categories have changed over the years. These changes directly affect the costs and decisions of our partners in the USA. From this analysis, we identified several tariff categories that have a real chance of being lowered in the coming years, and we put together the reasons why we believe those changes might happen. IEEPA Emergency Tariffs: High Chance of Further Cuts What changed: In November 2025, the White House reduced the IEEPA "fentanyl-related" tariff from 20% → 10%. Why it matters: It was part of a bilateral agreement after China tightened control of chemical precursors. Outlook for 2026 : If cooperation continues, Washington could further extend or completely suspend the IEEPA surcharge in 2026, or even suspended back to 0%. Section 301 Tariffs: Moderate Chance of Relaxation Current status: HTS 7610.10 appears in List 4A, currently subject to 7.5 %. USTR has reopened parts of the product exclusion extension program (HTS 9903.88.69 / .70). New developments: USTR announced a one-year suspension (effective Nov 10 2025) of certain Section 301 measures related to maritime and shipbuilding sectors. Although aluminum windows/doors are not in that specific annex, this pause shows USTR’s willingness to use selective suspension as a negotiation tool. Outlook: If trade talks progress, further product exclusions or list-wide reductions could occur in 2026, especially for downstream manufactured goods. Section 232 Aluminum Tariffs: Low to Moderate Chance Current level: Raised to 50 % as of June 2025 under "national security" justification. Why it may soften: While Trump's administration defends §232 as essential, the White House and Commerce Department may issue temporary waivers or origin-based exemptions (e.g., if aluminum is smelted in the U.S. or allied countries). Outlook: A broad rollback is unlikely, but targeted waivers may reduce the effective rate for qualifying importers in 2026. Future Tariff Escalation Suspensions: Moderate Chance Trump's administration agreed during the latest bilateral meetings to pause new retaliatory tariffs for one year, especially on port equipment and cranes. This signals an effort to stabilize trade relations before the 2026 election cycle, making major new tariff hikes unlikely in the short term. What Importers Should Do Right Now? With so many moving parts in the market right now, the best thing you can do is keep a positive mindset. A more flexible tariff environment actually creates more room to work with. It helps you control costs, adjust your purchasing plans, and feel more confident when you’re preparing for bigger projects. But to really stay ahead, there are a few things worth getting ready in advance so your 2026–2027 planning feels a lot smoother. Environment can open opportunities for better cost control, improved purchasing schedules, and greater confidence when planning large-scale projects. 1.Review Your 2026-2027 Projects: Double check quantities, timeline, and specifications. Tariff-driven cost swings in aluminum can hit budgets fast. 2.Request Updated Pricing: Freight rates and raw material costs have shifted. Old price sheets are no longer reliable — refresh them before locking in any new PO. 3.Talk with Hihaus: Your Hihaus rep help you build a sourcing strategy that aligns with your timelines. We hope you can make smart decisions and plan your projects with confidence with the helps of Hihaus rep based on the latest, most accurate. Final Thought: This Is a Moment to Lead As chaotic as the market may feel, we see this as an opportunity to lead. We're committed to helping our customers navigate volatility with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Whether it's pricing, shipping, or sourcing strategy—Hihaus Windows and Doors in your corner. In addition, our service include: · High-quality aluminum windows and doors · Flexible lead time and production planning · Quality control with full transparency ... Request Your Updated Price File Today Contact your Hihaus sales representative today or call us Whatsapp : +8618922126334