The tariffs are expected to take effect by late July or 1 August 2025, with Chile, Canada, and Mexico being impacted the most by the increases.
US President Donald Trump announced plans for a 50% tariff on copper imports during a White House meeting on 8 July 2025, aiming to boost US production of the metal, which is vital for electric vehicles, military equipment, the power grid, and consumer goods.
Trump said, “I believe the tariff on copper, we’re going to make 50%,” but did not specify when it would take effect.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later suggested the tariffs could be implemented by late July or 1 August 2025. He also said details of the tariffs will be announced by the President later on his Truth Social account.
Chile, Canada, and Mexico, the top copper suppliers to the US, are expected to be most impacted. These nations, along with Peru, have urged the administration to exempt them from the tariffs, citing free trade agreements and a lack of threat to US interests.
