On the 25th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump instructed an investigation into the impact of copper and copper product imports on U.S. national security and economic stability. According to a White House factsheet, Trump signed an executive order directing an investigation into the United States' copper imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act in the Oval Office. Before signing, Trump told reporters, "There will be a big impact."
The White House stated, "The United States has abundant copper reserves, but its smelting and refining capabilities lag behind those of global competitors, such as China," adding, "The U.S. dependence on copper imports has surged from virtually 0% in 1991 to 45% of consumption in 2024, increasing the risk to supply chain security." It emphasized that "if foreign smelting and refining overcapacity is combined with potential export restrictions from other countries, there is a risk that the supply of copper needed for U.S. defense and industrial needs could be interrupted."
The Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act cited by Trump in this executive order allows for urgent import restrictions or high tariffs when foreign imports are determined to threaten U.S. national security. President Trump previously pushed for a 25% tariff on imported cars and parts in 2018 based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act during his first term. As he had previously directed the Commerce Department to investigate the impact of imported cars and car parts on U.S. national security, there is speculation that this executive order is also aimed at imposing tariffs on copper.
A senior U.S. government official noted during a pre-briefing call that they will examine "copper ore, copper concentrates, refined copper, copper alloys, scrap copper, and copper derivatives," mentioning that the investigation will "move quickly, but there is no timetable." The official added, "Trump prefers tariffs over quotas, and the rates will be determined based on the results of the investigation."