Overview

• A Section 232 proclamation imposes a 50% ad valorem tariff on semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivatives effective August 1.
• The proclamation phases in refined copper duties at 15% in 2027 and 30% in 2028 following a Commerce Department finding that copper is critical to economic and defense security.
• President Trump’s move responds to a 56% decline in U.S. refining capacity since the late 1990s and a copper trade deficit that surged to $19.4 billion in 2024.
• An accompanying executive order eliminates the $800 de minimis duty exemption for nonpostal imports, with the change taking effect August 29.
• Authorities project the measures will spur investment in domestic smelting and processing, create thousands of blue-collar jobs in key mining states, and reduce reliance on foreign copper.