In order to protect the domestic steel and aluminum industry, President Trump imposed 25% and 10% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, thereby protecting low-priced products against domestic enterprises.

However, several countries didn’t have to be levied by the US government because of the small impact on the US. According to Robert Davis, South African Minister of Trade and Industry, the US has approved tariff exemptions for 36 steel products and 161 aluminum products imported from South Africa.

Since the implementation of Section 232, it has caused the South African steel and aluminum mills a lot of losses. South African total imports didn't exceed 2% of the US, and it didn't pose a threat to US domestic companies. South African government has been fighting for full immunity from US steel and aluminum tariff.