U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation imposing a 50% tariff on copper imports. According to the document, the measure will take effect on August 1.

Specifically, the rate will apply to semi-finished copper products, such as pipes, cables, and sheets. It also applies to derived products that contain a high copper content.

However, it does include exceptions for copper products that are already subject to the president's auto tariffs.

In the document, the US president explained that this decision will contribute, among other things, to increasing domestic production of these types of products, thus reducing the country's dependence on foreign sources.

Likewise, the head of state noted that the proclamation will ensure that domestic manufacturers can supply sufficient quantities of essential copper products for infrastructure, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, it will"promote investment, employment, and innovation in the domestic copper manufacturing sector, strengthen supply chains, improve industrial resilience, and generate significant economic benefits."

Now, the decision signed by Trump gives the Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, power"to take measures under the Defense Production Act to support the national industry." That is, the official will not only have to supervise imports of the mineral and its derivatives, but he will also be able to issue regulations, norms, guidelines and coherent procedures to guarantee their compliance.

The text states that, no later than June 30, 2026, the U.S. government must provide the U.S. president with updated information on domestic copper markets, including refining capacity and the market for refined copper in the United States, so that the president can determine whether a universal tiered tariff is justified.

This tax, if implemented, would be applied to refined copper and would start with a rate of 15% in 2027 and 30% starting January 1, 2028.

Copper cables

Effects on the industry

The measure adopted took into consideration an investigation conducted by Lutnick, under Section 232. The analysis focused on the effects of imports of this material in all its forms on U.S. national security.

According to the proclamation issued by the White House, the secretary concluded that current quantities associated with foreign purchases of copper and global excess capacity to produce copper are weakening the U.S. economy, resulting in a"persistent threat" of further domestic plant closures and reduced production capacity.

It's worth remembering that copper is a crucial component in a variety of electronics, machinery, and automobiles. So the new tariffs could make these items more expensive for Americans.