Tuesday, October 7, 2025

Latest

Make Copper Great Again? Trump Admin Mulls Tariffs On Copper

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing tariffs on copper imports in a bid to reinvigorate domestic production. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed that President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation of the Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into copper imports, laying groundwork for possible tariffs.

The initiative, modeled after his steel and aluminum tariffs, is pitched as a national security measure to “bring production back” to America. While no rate is finalized, officials signal that broad duties could be imposed with “no exemptions.” Market watchers speculate the tariff could range from 10% to as high as 25%, mirroring the steel import levy.

“It’s time for copper to come home,” Lutnick said.

For much of the 20th century, the US was a leading copper producer. Over time, however, the industry lost ground amid rising labor costs, stricter environmental regulations, and competition from lower-cost mines abroad. By the late 1900s, U.S. copper companies faced falling prices and new EPA rules that increased operating costs. As a result, US miners’ share of world copper output has shrunk sharply since the mid-20th century, producing roughly 850,000 metric tons of refined copper in 2024, with Arizona alone accounting for about 70% of output.

Domestic supply falls short of demand – an estimated 45–50% of US copper consumption is met by imports, with top suppliers including Chile, Canada, Mexico, and Peru.

Anticipation of tariffs has already driven US copper prices higher. Copper prices approached $4.70 per pound after Trump’s tariff threats, creating a widening gap with London prices. On the other hand, one report notes the tariffs “risk raising costs for American manufacturers while dampening global demand” for copper.

Should the tariffs push through, significant hurdles remain in reviving domestic production. Industry experts note it can take 10+ years and over $5 billion to develop a new copper mine from scratch.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Fortune Bay: The Potential Billion Dollar Project

Japan Gold Enters New Chapter as Barrick Alliance Concludes – John Proust

Barrick Mining’s “Company Defining [Gold] Discovery”

Recommended

Nord Precious Metals Produces High Grade Silver Concentrate From Tailings

ESGold Secures $9 Million In Non-Dilutive Funding From Ocean Partners

Related News

Arizona Metals To Conduct $15 Million Bought Deal Financing

Arizona Metals (TSXV: AMC) this morning announced that it will be conducting a bought deal...

Monday, April 5, 2021, 08:00:08 AM

Copper Retreats from May High as China’s Economic Boost Falls Short

Base metals markets are experiencing a significant downturn, with copper leading the decline amid concerns...

Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 11:03:43 AM

Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick Struggled To Name a Single ASEAN Country In Confirmation Hearing

In a heated Senate confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for...

Saturday, January 18, 2025, 04:38:00 PM

Ontario Defiant on Energy Tax Despite Trump’s Tariff Delay

A one-month reprieve on US tariffs won’t change Ontario’s plan to impose a 25% surcharge...

Friday, March 7, 2025, 07:58:39 AM

After Calling His Judge “Deranged”, Trump Now Wants The Jury Trial His Lawyers Did Not Request

Former President Donald Trump ignited a fiery exchange outside the New York State Supreme Court...

Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 10:38:00 AM