On July 30, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation regarding the importation of copper into the United States, based on a report from the Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary’s investigation concluded that significant quantities of copper imports pose a risk to national security, as they threaten to weaken the domestic copper industry and the broader economic infrastructure. The report highlighted that imports are largely dominated by one foreign country, which controls a substantial portion of global copper production, leading to increased dependence on foreign sources for essential materials used in defense and manufacturing.

In response to these findings, the President decided to impose a 50 percent tariff on semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products, effective August 1, 2025. Additionally, a phased tariff on refined copper will begin in 2027, starting with a 15 percent duty that will increase to 30 percent by 2028. These measures aim to restore domestic production capabilities, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and ensure an adequate supply for critical infrastructure and defense needs.

The proclamation also includes provisions for monitoring imports and establishing a domestic sales requirement for copper materials. The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with implementing these measures and providing periodic updates on the state of the domestic copper market. Through these actions, the administration seeks to bolster the U.S. copper industry and protect it from external economic pressures while promoting investment and job creation in the sector.

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