NEW YORK (AP) – President Donald Trump recently adjusted tariffs on some steel, aluminum and copper imports, lowering some tariffs on farming equipment and extending the lower rate to other equipment.

In an executive order, Trump lowered tariffs on agricultural equipment, including combines and harvesters, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, to 15 percent from 25 percent.

He expanded the existing category of industrial equipment that is subject to a 15 percent tariff to include mobile industrial equipment like bulldozers and forklifts – when they’re imported from countries that have a trade deal with the U.S.

The order says countries that use at least 85 percent melted and poured or smelted and cast steel or aluminum by weight could qualify for a lower 10 percent duty rate, to encourage companies in other countries to use U.S. metals.

The changes are temporary and set to expire at the end of 2027.

“In my judgment, this temporary modification appropriately accounts for these products’ roles in productive economic activity in the United States,” Trump said in his order.

In April 2026, he set a flat 50 percent rate for goods made entirely or almost entirely of aluminum, steel or copper – such as steel coils or aluminum sheet – while implementing a 25 percent tariff rate for derivative products made “substantially” of steel, aluminum or copper.

Barry Appleton, a law professor and co-director of New York Law School’s Center for International Law, said the adjustments appear to be more about the midterm elections than true relief for farmers.

“Farm bankruptcies are soaring, farm sentiment is declining, and Republican senators are openly warning their party is heading toward midterm losses in key agricultural states,” he said. “This proclamation is the White House’s response: throw the farm belt a bone before voters go to the polls.”