The South African Department of Trade and Industry (DIT) announced on October 24 that the US Department of Commerce exempted 161 aluminum and 36 steel products imported from US aluminum and steel under Article 232 tariffs. According to reports, product exemptions only apply to companies in the United States who have submitted a request to the Department of Commerce for exemption from Section 232 obligations. For aluminum, exempt products include aluminum foil and sheets, as well as sheets and strips. Exemptions from some aluminum and steel producers confirm that South Africa remains a source of strategic primary and secondary products for further value-added manufacturing in the United States and therefore does not threaten US national security. The elimination of tariffs will help employment in both countries.

According to the International Trade Commission, in 2017, the United States imported 110,487 tons of unwrought aluminum from South Africa, accounting for 2.3% of total US imports, with an inflow of 4.6%.

South African Trade Minister Robert Davis officially asked for a waiver of US 232 tariffs nationwide in March, and met with US Trade Representatives Robert Lehceze and Ross in Washington in July.

The South African government remains in contact with the US government and continues to demand national tariff exemptions.