The decision follows a Section 232 investigation, which concluded that protecting domestic copper production is crucial for industries such as defence, electronics, and automobiles.
US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on US copper imports, citing national security concerns. The new tariffs will take effect starting effective 1 August 2025.
The decision follows a Section 232 investigation, which concluded that protecting domestic copper production is crucial for industries such as defence, electronics, and automobiles.
Trump emphasised the importance of copper for semiconductors, aircraft, ammunition, and advanced weaponry in a post on Truth Social.
“Copper is necessary for Semiconductors, Aircraft, Ships, Ammunition, Data Centres, Lithium-ion Batteries, Radar Systems, Missile Defence Systems, and even Hypersonic Weapons, of which we are building many,” he wrote.
This follows Trump’s announcement of plans for a 50% tariff on copper imports during a White House meeting on 8 July 2025, aimed at boosting US production of the metal.
Chile, Canada, and Mexico are the top copper suppliers to the US and are expected to be the most impacted by the tariffs.
