Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Copper Imports, Potentially Impacting Industrial and Crypto Markets

President Donald TRUMP formalized a 50% tariff on manufactured copper imports, targeting products like pipes, wires, and electrical components. The move, effective August 1, aims to bolster domestic production but risks immediate price surges as the U.S. relies on foreign copper for half its demand. Economists warn of inflationary pressures, with manufacturers likely passing costs to consumers or cutting output.

Copper futures plummeted 20% post-announcement, reflecting market jitters. While the policy excludes raw ores, it mandates 25% of U.S. copper scrap to stay domestic. The Ripple effects could extend to crypto mining hardware, where copper is critical for wiring and cooling systems—any prolonged supply crunch may elevate production costs for ASIC rigs and data center infrastructure.