US President Donald Trump has directed an investigation into copper imports, marking the initial step toward potential tariffs on the essential metal.
According to administration officials, the White House aims to boost domestic copper production, citing the metal’s critical role in electric vehicles, ships, and data centers—industries linked to national security.
This investigation mirrors Trump’s earlier approach, which led to tariffs on steel and aluminum, potentially escalating the ongoing trade war.
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The administration has already imposed tariffs on various Chinese goods and hinted at additional sweeping trade measures, including a proposed 25% border tax on imports from Canada and Mexico and new “reciprocal” tariffs tailored for each trading partner.
While these trade actions have sparked retaliation threats and heightened concerns among US consumers and businesses over rising costs, administration officials maintain the copper investigation is essential.
“China has long used industrial capacity and dumping as an economic weapon to dominate global markets, systematically undercutting competitors and driving rivals out of business,” Trump’s trade adviser Peter Navarro stated.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added, “It’s time for copper to come home.”
Tariffs, which impose taxes on imported goods and are paid by importing companies, aim to make foreign products more expensive, thereby supporting domestic production.
The US, already a significant copper producer, imports most of its copper from Chile, Canada, and Mexico. China’s copper exports surged last year as domestic demand weakened and authorities moved to limit production.
The Commerce Department’s so-called “232 investigation” will examine copper imports and related derivatives. Although the timeline for the probe remains unclear, a White House official confirmed that its findings would determine the scope of any potential tariffs.
