Trump’s 50% Copper Tariff Sparks Industry Concerns

The unexpected imposition of a 50% tariff on copper imports by the Trump administration has sent shockwaves through U.S. industries reliant on the metal. Refined copper, the largest import category, will bear the brunt of the new policy, with Ripple effects expected across energy, construction, electronics, and automotive sectors.

Semi-finished copper products—including rods, tubes, and other intermediary forms—will also face tariffs, exacerbating supply chain pressures. Domestic producers cannot meet current demand, leaving manufacturers scrambling for alternatives.

Industry executives from Rio Tinto, Southwire, and Trafigura swiftly lobbied the WHITE House to exclude copper scrap from export controls. The U.S. exports excess scrap, and blocking these shipments would create an unprocessable surplus without alleviating domestic shortages.