On July 30, 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced a Proclamation addressing national security concerns related to copper imports. The Proclamation imposes a universal 50% tariff on specific categories of copper imports, including semi-finished products and derivative items, effective August 1. It also introduces measures to ensure that a portion of domestic copper production remains available for local use, thereby supporting the U.S. copper industry and its economic stability.

The decision to implement these tariffs follows a Section 232 investigation conducted by the Secretary of Commerce, which concluded that copper is vital to national security due to its role in defense systems and the manufacturing sector. The investigation highlighted that foreign competition has adversely affected the U.S. copper industry, leading to a trade deficit and overreliance on imported copper products. In response, the Proclamation aims to level the competitive landscape for American copper businesses and mitigate the effects of predatory trade practices.

This Proclamation builds on prior initiatives from the Trump Administration focused on enhancing U.S. trade policies and strengthening domestic industries. It aligns with the administration’s America First Trade Policy, which has included previous tariff actions on steel and aluminum, as well as reciprocal tariffs on imports from various countries. By taking these steps, the administration seeks to bolster domestic manufacturing, reduce trade imbalances, and secure the economic interests of the United States.

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