Tuesday, September 16, 2025

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

New Found Gold: The Strategic Maritime Resources Purchase

Amex Exploration: Revised Perron PEA Has INSANE Economics

Aris Mining: The Multi Billion Dollar Soto Norte PFS

Recommended

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Goliath Resources Hits 18.58 g/t Gold Over 5.00 Metres At Surebet

Related News

Trump Brokers Congo Peace Deal With Eye on Critical Minerals

President Donald Trump brokered a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda...

Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 09:17:44 AM

Macron Pushes EU Military Build-up Ahead of Trump Return

French President Emmanuel Macron urged European nations to boost their military capabilities on Monday, calling...

Friday, January 10, 2025, 03:50:00 PM

Russian Stocks Surge After Trump-Putin Ukraine Call

Russian stock markets rallied sharply on Thursday after President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir...

Friday, February 14, 2025, 04:28:00 PM

“Free From Political Interference”: Trump’s TMTG Urges SEC To Finish Probe On SPAC Merger Deal

Trump Media & Technology Group is leaning on the US Securities and Exchange Commission to...

Thursday, September 8, 2022, 09:43:00 AM

All Systems Go In Riverside’s Expanded Ariel Copper Project in Sonora, Mexico

At the Rule Symposium in Boca Raton, Florida, John-Mark Staude, President and CEO of Riverside...

Wednesday, July 10, 2024, 09:24:00 AM