Trump Announces Sweeping Tariffs on Copper

US President Donald Trump has declared a 50% tariff on copper imports, set to take effect on August 1, 2025. This bold move, according to Trump, is aimed at revitalizing the American copper industry and ensuring national security.

National Security at the Forefront

In a detailed post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized the critical role of copper in various sectors, including defense, technology, and energy. "Copper is necessary for Semiconductors, Aircraft, Ships, Ammunition, Data Centers, Lithium-ion Batteries, Radar Systems, Missile Defense Systems, and even, Hypersonic Weapons," he stated, questioning past administrations' neglect of the industry.

A New Revenue Stream for the US Government

This tariff is part of a broader strategy to boost government revenue through import duties. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the administration's success in collecting $100 billion in tariff revenue, with ambitions to reach $300 billion by December.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that the new copper tariff would likely be implemented by late July or August 1, marking a significant step in Trump's economic and national security agenda.