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Trump Announces 50% Copper Tariffs to Start August 1

The administration argues the steep duties are essential to secure critical materials for defense readiness

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President Donald Trump, center, speaking during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Washington.
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump confirmed the 50% tariff on copper imports after receiving a national security assessment under Section 232.
  • The White House says the measure is needed to ensure sufficient copper for military equipment, semiconductors and high-tech industries.
  • U.S. imports account for nearly half of its copper consumption, with Chile as the largest supplier amid declining domestic mining capacity.
  • This move extends earlier Section 232 duties on steel, aluminum, autos, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals to protect strategic supply chains.
  • Trump criticized past leaders as “foolish” and “sleepy” for weakening the U.S. copper industry and vowed to restore a domestic production “golden age.”