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Trump signs Executive Order threatening tariffs on copper imports

US President Trump has signed a new executive order for an investigation by the Department of Commerce into possible tariffs on US copper imports.

“Our great American copper industry has been decimated by global actors attacking our domestic production. To build back our copper industry, I have requested my Secretary of Commerce and USTR to study copper imports and end unfair trade, putting Americans out of work. Tariffs will help rebuild back our American copper industry and strengthen our national defense; American industries depend on copper, and they should be made in America

— Howard Lutnick, US commerce secretary, said in a statement

In particular, the order suggests “foreign overcapacity in smelting and refining, coupled with potential export restrictions from other nations, threaten to disrupt copper availability for US defense and industry needs.

US copper imports - The Oregon Group - Critical Minerals and Energy Intelligence

Lutnick said American industry, as well as national defense depends on copper as a critical mineral, and so “it should be made in America, no exemptions, no exceptions… It’s time for copper to come home.”

Any investigation will be carried out under Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, which empowers the president to restrict imports to protect national security.

No timeline has yet been announced, according to Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, in the latest White House press briefing.

“As far as a date, I don’t have a specific date to read out to you, but the president is committed to implementing tariffs effectively, just like he did in his first term,” Karoline Leavitt said.

From Jan-Oct, 2024, the US imported approximately 48% of its refined copper for consumption; in October 2024, US mines produced 86,800 metric tons (t) of recoverable copper.

Our analysis on how Trump wants to make mining American again:

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