Trump’s Accelerated Copper Tariff Threat Sends Prices Soaring

Tension is building across global metals markets as the Trump administration moves to impose copper import tariffs in a matter of weeks, far ahead of earlier predictions.

President Donald Trump directed the Commerce Department in February to investigate the feasibility of imposing tariffs on copper, with a 270-day window for action. However, people familiar with the matter say the review will likely conclude well before that deadline.

One source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, described the investigation as “little more than a formality,” pointing to Trump’s publicly stated intention to protect domestic mineral production.

Copper futures in New York, quoted on the Comex exchange, have already hit record levels in response to speculation that the White House will enact duties of up to 25% on imported copper—a sharp departure from the slower pace of similar investigations into steel and aluminum tariffs.

Comex copper briefly climbed above 537 cents per pound, while LME copper dipped below $9,900 per ton as traders scrambled to take advantage of the premium available in the US market. In some instances, the gap between the two benchmarks has surged to more than $1,700 per ton.

The White House has declined to comment on the accelerated timeline. But in February, Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade adviser, foreshadowed a speedy conclusion, saying, “You will see our new secretary of commerce, Howard Lutnick, will move in what I like to call Trump time, which is quickly as possible to get results of the investigation on the president’s desk for possible action.”

Goldman Sachs had originally predicted a 25% tariff might be implemented between September and November, but now expects that timeline to move up. In an emailed note, Goldman Sachs analysts observed that “with tariffs now likely to come sooner, the gap between Comex and LME prices—which is currently around 17%—is likely to widen further.”

“Factoring in uncertainty on the tariff level and high US inventories, we think an implied tariff of 20% should be the cap in the near-term. This has also been a level regularly cited as a good exit point in numerous client meetings,” they added.


Information for this story was found via Bloomberg and 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

When 4% of Global Copper Disappears Overnight | David Gower – Emerita Resources

Mining M&A: Gold X2 Acquires Kesselrun Resources

They Said Oil Was Dead. They Were Wrong. | Michael Judson – Record Resources

Recommended

Military Seizes Power in Madagascar After President Flees

Altamira Gold Hits 395.5 Metres Of 0.4 g/t Gold At Maria Bonita

Related News

Manufacturing Layoffs Erupt Amid Mounting Tariff Pressures

Recent announcements from automakers and appliance manufacturers point to a hard-hitting consequence of the new...

Friday, April 4, 2025, 07:48:30 AM

Despite Warmer Relations, US Envoy Says Canada Tariffs Likely to Persist

The United States has “moved beyond” President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions that Canada become the...

Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 09:13:00 AM

Nevada Copper Starts Trading On Post-Consolidation Basis

Nevada Copper Corp. (TSX: NCU) announced this morning a series of company updates including the...

Tuesday, September 21, 2021, 10:17:00 AM

Prime Meridian Enters Option Agreement For Cuatro Hermanos Copper Project

Prime Meridian Resources (TSXV: PMR) has formally entered into an option arrangement to acquire a...

Thursday, February 9, 2023, 11:22:46 AM

Trump’s Tariff Revenue Reaches $500 Million, Below Trump’s Claims

US Customs and Border Protection has collected approximately $500 million from President Donald Trump’s latest...

Saturday, April 19, 2025, 11:03:00 AM