World
Trump Announces 50% Tariff on Copper Imports Effective August 1, Citing National Security
In a bold move to protect U.S. national security and revitalize the domestic copper industry, President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports, effective August 1, 2025. The tariff follows a national security assessment and aims to reduce foreign dependence on a critical resource.
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially declared a 50% tariff on copper imports, set to take effect on August 1, 2025, citing national security as the driving force behind the decision. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, has already triggered a spike in global copper prices.
“I am announcing a 50% TARIFF on Copper, effective August 1, 2025, after receiving a robust NATIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT,” Trump posted.
The move is expected to significantly impact global copper markets and reshape the United States’ stance on strategic industrial materials. Copper prices surged 2.62% following the announcement, compounding the 13.12% increase recorded the previous day — the largest single-day rise since 1989.
National Security and Industrial Dependence
In his message, Trump underscored copper’s vital role in key defense and technology sectors. “Copper is necessary for Semiconductors, Aircraft, Ships, Ammunition, Data Centers, Lithium-ion Batteries, Radar Systems, Missile Defense Systems, and Hypersonic Weapons,” he noted, labeling it the second most used material by the Department of Defense.
Trump also criticized past administrations, blaming them for the decline of the U.S. copper industry. “Why did our foolish (and SLEEPY!) leaders decimate this important industry?” he asked, calling the new tariff a corrective measure to "reverse the Biden Administration’s thoughtless behavior and stupidity."