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Why Prices Have Increased: Understanding Section 232 Tariffs

Jun 02, 2025

Why Prices Have Increased: Understanding Section 232 Tariffs and Steel Cost Impacts

TireChain.com is committed to providing industry-leading tire chains at competitive prices. Recently, you may have noticed price increases across some of our products. We want to explain why this is happening and how recent trade policy changes have directly affected our costs.

What Is Section 232 and Why Does It Matter?

Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 gives the U.S. government authority to impose tariffs on imports that threaten national security. Initially implemented in 2018, these tariffs applied mainly to steel and aluminum—key materials in many of our products, such as tractor tire chains, snow blower chains, and truck chains.

What Changed in 2025?

In May and June 2025, the federal government enacted a significant rate increase on these tariffs. Steel and aluminum imports which were already at 25% were raised first to 50%, then an additional 25% on June 3—bringing the total tariff level to 95% for most steel products. These changes have had immediate effects through the entire supply chain—from raw materials to finished goods.

How Section 232 Tariffs Affect TireChain.com

As a manufacturer and distributor of steel-reinforced tire chains, these rising import costs affect us directly. Steel is integral to nearly every product we offer. With tariffs now near 95%, raw material costs have skyrocketed. While we've absorbed price increases for years, this spike made adjustments unavoidable—especially without compromising quality.

Why We've Adjusted Our Prices

Here’s the bottom line: the recent price increases are a direct result of unprecedented steel tariffs. Raising prices wasn’t an easy decision—but we believe in delivering reliable value and top-tier quality, even in the face of supply chain pressures.

What You Can Expect Moving Forward

  • Product Quality: No shortcuts. Every chain we sell must meet rigorous durability and performance standards.
  • Clear Communication: We’ll keep you informed of any future changes that could impact pricing or stock availability.
  • Ongoing Efforts: We’re closely watching trade developments and working with suppliers to help manage costs and workload.

We’re Here to Help

Have questions about how these changes might affect your order—or looking for budget-friendly alternatives? Reach out to our knowledgeable team. We're here to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Thank You for Your Continued Support

We deeply appreciate your trust in TireChain.com. As we navigate these changes together, we're proud to remain your trusted source for rugged, reliable tire chains—built to perform in any condition, no matter market pressures.

— The TireChain.com Team