By SEMA News Editors

 

IHRA Acquires Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School

 

The IHRA has acquired Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School, the organization announced.

 

For more than four decades, Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School has delivered instruction to drag racers around the world. Its alumni include national event-winning drivers in both Professional and Sportsman categories, with more than 25,000 graduates having completed the school's renowned programs.

 

The school will continue to operate with the same staff, curriculum, equipment and instructors, including Frank Hawley, under IHRA ownership.

 

"When I met [IHRA Owner] Darryl Cuttell, I was very impressed with his ambitious vision to grow the popularity of motorsports around the world," said Hawley. "Darryl is working to coalesce motorsports entertainment with other traditional forms of entertainment at IHRA facilities. Our industry has been looking for leadership like this, and we are ready to join in the mission. My entire life has been devoted to the sport of drag racing, and I can't think of a better way to continue the legacy of our school than under the ownership of the IHRA."

 

"Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School is one of the most important institutions our sport has ever known," said Cuttell. "This is not about changing what works—it's about protecting a legacy, investing in education and safety, and ensuring that racers at every level have access to the very best training in the world. IHRA is honored to carry this responsibility forward."

 

"Education is the foundation of safe, competitive, and sustainable racing," said IHRA President Leah Martin. "Frank Hawley's Drag Racing School represents the gold standard in driver development. By bringing the school into the IHRA family, we are reinforcing our commitment to racers --giving them the tools, training, and pathways they need to grow from grassroots competition to the highest levels of the sport."

 

Additional details regarding future programs and expanded offerings will be announced in the coming months.

 

 National Hot Rod Reunion Name Returns to Beech Bend Event

NHRA's historic event at Beech Bend Raceway will head back to its roots, returning to the National Hot Rod Reunion name for its race on June 18-20, and further, celebrating the rich history and heritage of the event during NHRA's 75th Anniversary season.

 

Along with the name change, NHRA also announced that Broc Porter will spearhead running the event for the first time, expanding the relationship between the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Porter's Beech Bend Raceway. Porter and his wife, Rebecca, operate the track that has been in the family since 1984.

 

"This is an opportunity to build this race back to what it was when it first arrived in the early 2000s," Porter said. "This race helped put Beech Bend on the national map and has been a great event for us for many years. We want to see it continue and grow back into a prominent event that honors the legacy of both Beech Bend and NHRA Drag Racing."

 

The National Hot Rod Reunion marks the sixth event of the season in the NHRA Hot Rod Heritage Racing Series, which celebrates the thrilling action of nostalgia drag racing in a variety of classes. Proceeds from the event will benefit the NHRA Motorsports Museum in Pomona.

 

Porter is receiving guidance from Blake Bowser, who has spearheaded a resurgence at the NHRA's California Hot Rod Reunion featuring Nitro Revival while continuing to grow the legendary Good Vibrations March Meet.

 

The annual trip to Beech Bend Raceway has long been a popular stop for fans and race teams, and this year will be especially memorable, returning to the National Hot Rod Reunion name during NHRA's milestone year.

 

The National Hot Rod Reunion features three days of nostalgia racing, hot rods, show cars and a swap meet at a historic facility steeped in drag racing history.

 

The event also includes a show and shine car show and popular Cacklefests throughout the weekend, plus much more. On the track, fans will be thrilled by some of the best nostalgia racing in the country, with nostalgia Top Fuel dragsters offering a memorable dose of nitro-burning action at more than 240 mph.

 

Drivers will be competing for event wins, with eliminations on Sunday culminating a weekend that will feature a full lineup of nostalgia competitions, exhibitions, fan experiences, tributes and a festival-like atmosphere that pays tribute to the legends and pioneers of NHRA Drag Racing.

 

"This is great for the long-term outlook of this event," said Jason Galvin, NHRA Sportsman Manager. "Broc and Rebecca operate a world-class facility. It's located in the hot-rodding hotbed of America and, obviously, the 75th anniversary tie-in sets this up to be a booming resurgence for the Hot Rod Reunion brand and a great weekend for the NHRA Museum as well."

 

Graphic courtesy of NHRA 

 

Formula DRIFT Signs Exclusive Broadcast Deal With RACER Network

 

Formula DRIFT and motorsports media platform RACER have expanded their relationship with a new media distribution agreement that includes new live programming on RACER Network, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, channelization of FD coverage across the RACER digital suite, the addition of PROSPEC livestreaming and a robust athlete incentive program.

 

The multi-year agreement will see all Formula DRIFT live competitions, including PRO and PROSPEC Championship classes, available worldwide exclusively on RACER and FD platforms. Seeding, Qualifying and early round competition will be available for free on the RACER+ app and on RACER's FAST channel, which reaches 400 million devices in North America, including Samsung, Roku, Amazon and more.

 

As an added value to the fans, FD and RACER have collaborated on a new pre-race show tentatively called RACER GridWalk. It will feature intimate driver interviews live from the Hot Pit during final practice before Top 32 Competition. This programming will kick off the cable TV broadcasts on RACER Network and be live on the RACER+ app, as well as via the RACER+ player on the FD website. The highlight of each FD weekend, the PRO Championship Top 16 Competition heats, will be available free exclusively on RACER Network--which reaches more than 25 million households--on the RACER+ App, and via the RACER+ player on the FD website.

 

"This is the first time the popular live stream from FD has done a deal of this kind," said Ryan Sage, president of Formula DRIFT. "We've constructed a unique and monumental deal with RACER; Not only can we leverage our existing audience to show the value of our product, but RACER is adding a massive layer of distribution and support on top of our efforts. So, it's only fitting that we harness our collective power and efforts to bring the Top 16 to RACER Network properties, exclusively, for the first time."

 

Got racing industry news? Releasing a new product? Contact editors@performanceracing.com. Read more racing industry news on performanceracing.com/industry-news. 

Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia

 

Retouched: The BMW M5 Receives a Facelift

 

 

Originally spied with a decidedly Neue Klasse frontend, the '28 model-year BMW M5 facelift has reverted to a more conventional aesthetic, with only a hint of Neue Klasse design remaining. Pictured in both sedan and Touring configurations, the mid-cycle refresh debuts slimmer headlight clusters and kidney grilles.

 

 

Emphasizing width, the new frontend also integrates a revised lower fascia with multiple vertical air intake elements. Both prototypes shown here also feature quad exhaust tips peeking through a resculpted bumper. New taillights are expected as well, and similar to the front units, the signature lighting emphasizes width.

 

Given the extensive interior camouflage, the Bavarian automaker is likely adapting the iX3’s infotainment system and Panoramic Vision setup for internal combustion models. Panoramic Vision is a projection system that uses the full width of the lower windshield to create a digital display space for both the driver and front passenger.

 

BMW Operating System X with Panoramic Vision is also expected to eliminate the iDrive controller in favor of a voice- and touch-first interface, along with more advanced steering wheel controls. The interior redesign should also include a larger, better-integrated central touchscreen, along with an optional 3D head-up display. An optional passenger display is also rumored.

 

 

Beyond the tech-heavy updates, the interior is expected to feature more premium materials and trim. Preliminary information suggests that production of the M5 Touring will continue through mid-2032 with V8 power. For the first model year of the facelift, new exterior colors are also reportedly planned.

 

S68 is BMW's codename for the 4.4-L engine powering the M5 Sedan and M5 Touring, an engine that recently lost a small amount of output in preparation for Euro 7 emissions regulations. The S68 used in U.S.-market vehicles has not lost any power. In Europe, however, BMW M has introduced updated electric drive and battery software to compensate for the reduced internal combustion output. The G90 sedan and G99 Touring produce a combined 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque in current form, with BMW claiming a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. When properly equipped, both models can reach a top speed of 189 mph.

 

 

Minor Facelift Outside, Modern Tech Under the Metal: The '26 Audi Q4 Facelift

 

 

The Audi Q4 facelift has been a long time coming, and photographers have finally captured this premium electric SUV completely uncamouflaged. While the exterior updates are noticeable, they are not the only changes.

 

Look closely: while the shape of the headlights remains the same, the internal design has been updated. Decals attempt to conceal the details, but the units now feature parallel horizontal LED daytime running light bars. Positioned below them are the low- and high-beam headlights.

 

Audi's designers have also covered the grille, which is expected to feature a new mesh pattern similar to that of the Q6 e-tron. The front bumper has also been revised with a cleaner design, retaining the license plate in the center and incorporating a new honeycomb mesh in the lower air intake.

 

At the rear, the Q4 will receive updated taillight graphics and a revised bumper design. The Q4 already features an advanced cockpit, so unless there is a surprise, it is not expected to adopt a large, curved digital display.

 

Despite the addition of new comfort and safety features, increased battery capacity and more powerful onboard chargers to reduce charging times, the facelifted 2026 Audi Q4 is expected to further challenge Tesla’s Model X. With relatively minor exterior updates, Audi is focusing on a comprehensive package of improvements that will also extend to the sportier Q4 Sportback. Both variants are expected to arrive at dealerships in mid-2026.

 

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

 

SEMA and PRI will support the reception at the Road Racing Drivers Club (RRDC) Evening with Derek Bell MBE presented by Firestone on April 16, at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach. This is the RRDC's 16th banquet honoring auto racing's most influential leaders. 

"We are pleased to have... SEMA/PRI returning this year to sponsor the reception at the RRDC Evening with Derek Bell MBE presented by Firestone," said RRDC President Bobby Rahal. "Their support will help benefit the RRDC's longtime initiatives, and we are grateful for their support."

Yaamava' Resort and Casino at San Manuel is also supporting the event.

This year's gala will be held at the Westin Long Beach Hotel at 333 E. Ocean Blvd., in advance of the 51st Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, the fifth race of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. It will honor Derek Bell MBE, whose racing career is one of the most successful, diverse and wide-ranging of any British racing driver. Bell is best-known for winning the Le Mans 24 Hours five times, the Daytona 24 Hours three times and the World Sports Car Championship twice.

Proceeds of the dinner will benefit The Mark Donohue Foundation, which supports the RRDC's SAFEisFAST initiative. Tickets may be purchased on the RRDC web site rrdc.org/events. The event is open to the public. This event is expected to sell out, so early reservations are recommended.

The RRDC was formed in 1952 as a way to give champion drivers a say in their sport, particularly in the areas of safety, and has evolved to serve the future of road racing by mentoring new drivers on both amateur and professional levels. The Club's membership includes leading industry professionals, race officials and motorsports journalists, in addition to prominent racing names.

In 2011, the RRDC launched a free online training seminar--SAFEisFAST.com--featuring RRDC members and other industry experts in high-quality videos covering subjects from physical and mental preparation to driving techniques, driver safety to car setup and sponsorship. The videos are updated regularly. Each week, a professional from the world of motor racing answers readers' questions on the site in a feature called 'Ask a Pro.' 

By Ashley Reyes

 

 

Running an automotive shop today takes more than technical skill; it demands business strategy, customer insight and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing industry.

 

During the SEMA Future Leaders Network (FLN) virtual Lunch & Learn, "Inside the Shop: An Automotive Shop Ownership Panel" on Thursday, April 30, at 10:30 a.m. PT / 12:30 p.m. ET, three shop owners from different corners of the automotive world will share what it really takes to build, grow and sustain a successful shop.

 

Moderated by Aly Oakley, sales representative at BrakeQuip, the session will feature panelists Tara Demuth, co-owner/general manager of R&S Truck Caps, Zack Hampton, co-owner of Chromotize and Sara Morosan, vice president of LGE-CTS Motorsports. Together, they will discuss the foundational business elements required to own and operate an automotive aftermarket shop and build a culture within a business.

 

Key takeaways include:

• How to transition from an employee to an owner.
• Strategies for culture building and leadership development in business.
• What goes into business ownership.
• Unique challenges of owning a shop in the automotive aftermarket.
• How to navigate trends in the automotive aftermarket.

 

Whether your goal is to own an automotive shop one day or you are new to shop ownership, this event is your opportunity to learn from current shop owners who run a shop day-to-day.

 

🎁 Bonus incentive: The first 20 SEMA members to register for the session in advance and attend the full webinar will receive an Uber Eats voucher to be used following the event, through the next day.

 

By SEMA News Editors

 

The 2026 New York International Auto Show, which returns April 3-12 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, gave media members a first look at the latest vehicles and concepts shaping the future of mobility.

 

Held annually, the event serves as a key launch point for new models across segments, and this year's program will continue that tradition, with OEMs unveiling a mix of production-ready vehicles and long-term concept platforms aimed at expanding their reach in competitive and emerging segments.

 

Many of the vehicles and platforms introduced in New York will ultimately serve as the foundation for customization, performance upgrades and product development across the aftermarket, with their evolution continuing later this year at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, November 3-6.

 

Following is a look at several notable announcements from the New York Auto Show floor:

 

Dodge Debuts Durango GT America250 Edition

 

 

Dodge introduced the '26 Durango GT America250 (A250) edition, commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

 

Unveiled during the NY Auto Show's media preview, the special-edition SUV marks the first production vehicle tied to America250, the congressionally designated organization leading the national commemoration.

 

 

The A250 edition features distinctive patriotic design cues, including Black Laguna leather seats with blue perforation and flag embossments, red-and-white accent stitching and Demonic Red seat belts. Exterior upgrades include star-pattern dual stripes with blue tracer accents, America250 badging and 20-in. Black Noise wheels.

 

Built at Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex - Jefferson in Detroit, the Durango GT A250 will be available for order in early April, with pricing starting at $49,590.

 

Hyundai Boulder Concept Makes Surprise Global Premiere

 

 

Hyundai Motor Company surprised attendees with the global debut of its Boulder Concept SUV, signaling the brand's future entry into the body-on-frame truck and SUV segment.

 

The concept introduces a new, fully boxed, ladder-frame architecture expected to underpin a midsize pickup slated for production by 2030. Designed by Hyundai Design North America in Southern California, the Boulder Concept targets off-road enthusiasts with a focus on durability, towing capability and rugged styling.

 

"The Boulder Concept demonstrates how Hyundai is seeking to give American customers more of what they want," said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company. "Body-on-frame vehicles are the backbone of American work and adventure, and we intend to compete in the midsize pickup segment with everything we have. The body-on-frame truck is one of 36 new Hyundai vehicles coming to North America by 2030. We are entering segments we have never competed in before, and we are doing it the right way: designed in America, built by Americans for American customers."

 

Future vehicles based on the platform are expected to be designed, developed and built in the United States using domestically produced steel, according to the company.

 

All-New '27 Volkswagen Atlas Debuts

 

 

Volkswagen of America unveiled the redesigned '27 Atlas, bringing updated styling, enhanced technology and increased performance to its midsize SUV offering.

 

The new Atlas features all-new exterior sheet metal, redesigned LED lighting and illuminated branding elements that give the vehicle a more premium and modern appearance. Updates include double-stacked headlights, a more sculpted profile and new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 21 inches.

 

Stronger proportions and sleeker surfacing are seen best in the profile. A dynamic and sharp theme line runs along the upper body sides, augmented by strong fenders and sculpted side sills. Illuminated door handles are available, as are puddle lamps with a unique projection pattern.

 

 

At the back, the spoiler is more pronounced, and the tailgate lies flush with the rear bumper, for a more modern shape. The cross-body taillight design mirrors the lighting signature in the front and standard dynamic turn signals with three animations add a premium feel.

 

"When we first launched Atlas in 2017, we delivered the space and style the SUV market was missing; practical, well‑designed, and unmistakably Volkswagen," said Kjell Gruner, president and CEO, Volkswagen of America. "The all‑new '27 Atlas brings more of what matters: a stronger design, smarter technology, increased power and a premium feel where it matters most."

 

All-New '27 Kia EV3, All-Electric Entry SUV, Debuts

 

 

Kia America introduced the all-new '27 EV3, an entry-level electric SUV designed to broaden access to EV ownership.

 

Positioned below the EV6 and EV9, the EV3 delivers up to a Kia-estimated 320 miles of range on select trims and is built on the company's Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). The compact SUV will be offered in five trim levels and is scheduled to go on sale in late 2026.

 

"The Kia EV3 represents a bold step forward in our commitment to making electric mobility accessible to more Americans," said Eric Watson, vice president, sales operations, Kia America. "With its striking geometric design inspired by EV9, advanced technology, and spacious interior, the EV3 brings the innovation of our EV lineup into an entry EV SUV tailored for the way U.S. customers live, work and travel."

 

Subaru Unveils All-Electric, Three-Row '27 Subaru Getaway

 

 

Subaru of America unveiled the all-new '27 Subaru Getaway, its first all-electric three-row SUV and most powerful production model to date.

 

The Getaway offers seating for up to seven passengers, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and more than 300 miles of estimated range from a 95.8-kWh battery. Dual electric motors produce 420 horsepower, enabling a 0-60 mph time of under five seconds.

 

Designed with versatility in mind, the SUV features 8.3 inches of ground clearance, off-road drive modes and a towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds. The model is expected to arrive in dealerships in late 2026.

 

 

As these vehicles move from reveal to retail, they are expected to create new opportunities for the aftermarket, from performance and styling upgrades to electrification-focused innovation.

 

By Ashley Reyes

 

 

The SEMA Automotive Restoration Market Organization (ARMO) has two great opportunities for manufacturers attending the 2026 Spring Carlisle Show, April 22-26, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to build their brand, promote their products and grow their professional connections.

 

ARMO Hot Products Showcase

 

The ARMO Hot Products Showcase is the ideal opportunity for ARMO members to showcase their new products to the right audience at the Spring Carlisle Show –– at no extra cost to members.

 

By having your product featured in the Hot Products Showcase tent –– located in a high-traffic area by the grandstands –– companies can expose their product to thousands of restoration and classic car enthusiasts looking to build or restore their vehicles.

 

Signing up is simple: Fill out the form to let ARMO know which product you're showcasing. Ship the product to the Show with a return label, or drop off the product in person at the Hot Products Showcase tent. ARMO will take care of the rest.

 

Enter your product today. Not yet an ARMO member? You can apply to join.

 

Networking Happy Hour for Restoration Parts Manufacturers

 

ARMO also invites all restoration parts manufacturers to attend its networking Happy Hour, taking place Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. inside the Hot Products Showcase tent.

 

The Happy Hour offers a valuable chance to catch up with other members, grab a bite to eat and a beverage and check out the hot new products on display. Members and non-members alike will learn about ARMO's initiatives designed to help its members succeed in the industry, meet members of the select committee and discover how to get more involved with the council.

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

The Trump Administration recently announced updates to Section 232 tariffs covering steel, aluminum and certain derivative products. Effective April 6, businesses importing products that contain steel and aluminum will be subject to a 25% tariff applied to the full value of the imported product. This replaces the prior system, which imposed a 50% tariff on the value of the embedded steel or aluminum content.

• The revised approach is intended to simplify compliance while maintaining strong protections for domestic metals producers.
   

Upstream Metals Impact

President Trump's proclamation announced that the existing 50% tariff on upstream, commodity-grade metals will remain in place. Products that are made almost entirely of steel or aluminum may also be reclassified into this category. Products with limited metal content, defined as 15% or less (measured by weight), will no longer be subject to Section 232 tariffs. Instead, those goods will be subject to the Administration's separate 10% global baseline tariff.

• The practical impact of these changes will vary significantly across sectors and supply chains. Importers of complex manufactured goods may face higher duty burdens despite the reduction in nominal tariff rates. The shift to full-value assessment is expected to generate additional tariff revenue for the federal government and partially offset declines following recent court decisions that invalidated other tariff authorities.

The overhaul follows months of internal deliberations over how to address longstanding industry concerns about the complexity of the existing system. Manufacturers had argued that "Liberation Day" tariffs raised input costs for domestic production while allowing many finished imports to enter the U.S. market with minimal duties. The current revisions are intended to close that gap while making compliance more straightforward for importers who previously struggled to calculate the value of embedded metal content.
 

April 6 Provisions

The updated framework continues to rely on Section 232 authorities under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which remain intact despite recent legal challenges affecting other trade tools. The following provisions take effect April 6 through an undetermined date:

• Articles in Annex I-A will have a 50% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the United Kingdom will have a 25% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex I-B will have a 25% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the UK will have a 15% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex II will no longer face a Section 232 steel or aluminum tariff.

Additionally, articles in Annex III will face, depending on the country, a 15% top-up (i.e., a product with a baseline tariff below 15% gets topped up to 15% and a baseline tariff above 15% faces no additional tariff), 10% (for products for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States) or 25% (countries with no normal trading relations). This provision is to remain in place through December 31, 2026.
 

President Trump reserves the right to revoke this treatment if imports of a product increase in such a way that undermines national security. Revocation would subject Annex III products from the country to Annex I-B tariff rates.
 

Additional Details

 

• 200% aluminum tariffs will remain in effect for Annex I-A, I-B and III products that were smelted or cast in Russia.
   
• Products on Annex I-A, I-B or III that contain some combination of steel, aluminum and copper will only be subject to one tariff rate. In other words, the steel, aluminum and copper tariffs do not stack.
   
• Products on Annex I-B or III that do not contain any steel, aluminum or copper content (as laid out in Annex IV) will not be subject to tariffs.
   
• Products that fall under the WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and are civil aircraft or civil aircraft parts will not be subject to the steel, aluminum or copper tariffs.
   
• The inclusions processes for steel, aluminum and copper are terminated, though the Commerce Department and USTR reserve the right to add more derivative articles to the tariffs.
   
• Drawback is available to a product on Annex I-B or III that's not subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order, from a trade agreement partner country (United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and others with a final Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)), and the steel is completely melted and poured in the trade agreement partner country (or aluminum/copper smelted and cast).

 

Questions? Comments? Want to share your tariff story? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

 

This article was originally published on April 7, 2026.

 

Top image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert V Schwemmer. Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Hieronymus Ukkel

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

The Trump Administration recently announced updates to Section 232 tariffs covering steel, aluminum and certain derivative products. Effective April 6, businesses importing products that contain steel and aluminum will be subject to a 25% tariff applied to the full value of the imported product. This replaces the prior system, which imposed a 50% tariff on the value of the embedded steel or aluminum content.

• The revised approach is intended to simplify compliance while maintaining strong protections for domestic metals producers.
   

Upstream Metals Impact

President Trump's proclamation announced that the existing 50% tariff on upstream, commodity-grade metals will remain in place. Products that are made almost entirely of steel or aluminum may also be reclassified into this category. Products with limited metal content, defined as 15% or less (measured by weight), will no longer be subject to Section 232 tariffs. Instead, those goods will be subject to the Administration's separate 10% global baseline tariff.

• The practical impact of these changes will vary significantly across sectors and supply chains. Importers of complex manufactured goods may face higher duty burdens despite the reduction in nominal tariff rates. The shift to full-value assessment is expected to generate additional tariff revenue for the federal government and partially offset declines following recent court decisions that invalidated other tariff authorities.

The overhaul follows months of internal deliberations over how to address longstanding industry concerns about the complexity of the existing system. Manufacturers had argued that "Liberation Day" tariffs raised input costs for domestic production while allowing many finished imports to enter the U.S. market with minimal duties. The current revisions are intended to close that gap while making compliance more straightforward for importers who previously struggled to calculate the value of embedded metal content.
 

April 6 Provisions

The updated framework continues to rely on Section 232 authorities under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which remain intact despite recent legal challenges affecting other trade tools. The following provisions take effect April 6 through an undetermined date:

• Articles in Annex I-A will have a 50% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the United Kingdom will have a 25% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex I-B will have a 25% tariff. Products from the United Kingdom for which the steel was melted and poured/aluminum was smelted and cast in the UK will have a 15% tariff. Certain derivative articles for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum/copper content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States will have a 10% tariff.
   
• Articles in Annex II will no longer face a Section 232 steel or aluminum tariff.

Additionally, articles in Annex III will face, depending on the country, a 15% top-up (i.e., a product with a baseline tariff below 15% gets topped up to 15% and a baseline tariff above 15% faces no additional tariff), 10% (for products for which the steel content is entirely steel melted and poured in the United States or the aluminum content was entirely smelted and cast in the United States) or 25% (countries with no normal trading relations). This provision is to remain in place through December 31, 2026.
 

President Trump reserves the right to revoke this treatment if imports of a product increase in such a way that undermines national security. Revocation would subject Annex III products from the country to Annex I-B tariff rates.
 

Additional Details

 

• 200% aluminum tariffs will remain in effect for Annex I-A, I-B and III products that were smelted or cast in Russia.
   
• Products on Annex I-A, I-B or III that contain some combination of steel, aluminum and copper will only be subject to one tariff rate. In other words, the steel, aluminum and copper tariffs do not stack.
   
• Products on Annex I-B or III that do not contain any steel, aluminum or copper content (as laid out in Annex IV) will not be subject to tariffs.
   
• Products that fall under the WTO Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft and are civil aircraft or civil aircraft parts will not be subject to the steel, aluminum or copper tariffs.
   
• The inclusions processes for steel, aluminum and copper are terminated, though the Commerce Department and USTR reserve the right to add more derivative articles to the tariffs.
   
• Drawback is available to a product on Annex I-B or III that's not subject to an antidumping or countervailing duty order, from a trade agreement partner country (United Kingdom, European Union, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada and others with a final Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART)), and the steel is completely melted and poured in the trade agreement partner country (or aluminum/copper smelted and cast).

 

Questions? Comments? Want to share your tariff story? Contact SEMA Senior Manager for Federal Government Affairs Juan Mejia at JuanM@sema.org.

 

This article was originally published on April 7, 2026.

 

Top image courtesy of Shutterstock | Robert V Schwemmer. Feed image courtesy of Shutterstock | Hieronymus Ukkel

 

 

From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office

 

 

Good news: the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee recently held a hearing on H.R. 7979 the Public Lands Access Restoration Act (PLARA), a SEMA and ORBA-supported bill that would restore the presumption that public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are open for all different types of recreation, including motorized use, unless there is a reason for a designated closure. 

 

Your help is still needed: send a letter to your U.S. Representative in support of H.R. 7979.  

 

The bill seeks to restore a long-standing "open unless posted closed" policy for lands managed by the Forest Service and BLM, reversing more restrictive access policies that have been in place since 2005.  

 

U.S. Representatives Jeff Crank (R-CO) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT) recently introduced the Public Lands Access Restoration Act to restore recreational access to public lands unless the land managers are able to justify closures based on resource protection or public safety reasons. The bill increases transparency and accountability in how access decisions are made on BLM and Forrest Service lands and establishes a clearer review process for restricting recreation, with the goal of balancing conservation priorities with recreational use. 

 

SEMA and ORBA strongly support H.R. 7979 and included the following remark in the official press release announcing Reps. Crank and Kennedy's introduction of the bill. 

 

"On behalf of motorized recreational businesses and the millions of off-road enthusiasts who support the industry, SEMA and ORBA thank Reps. Crank and Kennedy for introducing the Public Lands Access Restoration Act," said Karen Bailey-Chapman, the senior vice president of Government and Public Affairs for SEMA. "This bill offers an important policy shift to ensure that BLM- and Forest Service-managed lands are open to motorized vehicles unless there is a justifiable resource protection or public safety need to prohibit motorized access. We strongly support the return to an 'open unless posted closed' policy on public lands."

 

PLARA would restore and expand recreational access to public lands, which is critical to the local economies of communities throughout the country that depend on recreational tourism. If enacted into law, this bill will support tourism, outdoor businesses and the broader recreation economy, particularly in rural areas that rely heavily on public land use.  

 

The introduction of PLARA adds to ongoing congressional efforts to address access and infrastructure challenges on federal lands, building on recent bipartisan interest in outdoor recreation policy. As the bill moves forward, stakeholders across the recreation and conservation communities are expected to engage closely on its implications for access, land management, and resource protection. 

 

Questions? Want to invite the SEMA team to go off-roading? Contact Juan Mejia, SEMA's Senior Manager of Government Affairs, at juanm@sema.org  

 

This story was originally published on Tuesday, March 31.

 

Image courtesy of Shutterstock | Reinhardt and Co

By Ashley Reyes
 

 

The SEMA Scholarship Program supports career development and access to the automotive industry by offering financial awards of up to $5,000 to students preparing for automotive careers. Volunteer judges play a vital role in reviewing scholarship applications and selecting deserving recipients.
 

Judges will review inspiring stories and accomplishments that highlight the talent and determination of the industry's next generation. These stories showcase students' passion for the aftermarket and the skills and perspectives shaping its future.
 

Volunteer hours are flexible and can be completed remotely on your schedule. Judging runs from late April through May. Learn more and apply to volunteer.

Learn more about the SEMA Scholarship Program at sema.org/scholarships.