US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a 50% tariff on several categories of copper imports such as copper pipes and wiring.
The move, effective from 1 August, aims to strengthen the US copper industry and address national security concerns.
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The tariffs apply to semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivative products, a fact sheet released by the White House said.
The proclamation “imposes universal 50% tariffs on imports of semi-finished copper products (such as copper pipes, wires, rods, sheets and tubes) and copper-intensive derivative products (such as pipe fittings, cables, connectors and electrical components), effective August 1”.
Copper input materials such as ores, concentrates and cathodes, and copper scrap are not subject to the tariffs.
The newly imposed tariffs, known as copper 232 tariffs, target the copper content of products, with non-copper content remaining subject to reciprocal tariffs or other duties.
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By GlobalDataThese tariffs are not cumulative with auto 232 tariffs; in cases where auto tariffs apply, they will take precedence over copper tariffs.
The proclamation also mandates that a quarter of high-quality copper scrap produced in the US must be sold domestically, enhancing access to this critical feedstock for local fabricators and refiners.
Additionally, the Secretary of Commerce is to implement an export licensing requirement for high-quality copper scrap to ensure sufficient domestic supply.
Furthermore, starting in 2027, a mandate will require that 25% of copper input materials produced in the US be sold within the country, with this percentage set to increase in subsequent years.
This measure is intended to boost US refining capacity by securing low-cost inputs for domestic refiners as they expand their operations.
These actions follow the completion of a Section 232 investigation by the Secretary of Commerce, which identified copper as a vital component of the manufacturing foundation essential to US national and economic security.
The investigation highlighted the challenges faced by the US copper industry due to foreign competition and environmental regulations, leading to a “massive” trade deficit and dependence on foreign copper products, the fact sheet added.
The proclamation is part of President Trump’s wider strategy to revitalise domestic industry and reduce trade imbalances, which includes implementing America First Trade Policy, increasing tariffs on steel and aluminium, and imposing 10% additional tariffs on imports from China.
The administration has also taken steps to promote mining, manufacturing and investment within the US through regulatory reductions and the consideration of tariffs against digital service taxes and policies that target US companies.
