Former President Donald Trump has launched an investigation into potential tariffs on copper imports, arguing that reviving domestic production is essential for national security.
According to the AFP, the move, announced Tuesday, is the latest in a series of trade measures that could impact both U.S. allies and competitors.
Trump signed an executive order directing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to assess whether foreign copper imports are undermining American industry.
“Tariffs will help build back our American copper industry and strengthen our national defense,” Trump stated on his Truth Social platform following the announcement.
The United States currently relies heavily on imported copper to meet its needs, particularly as demand surges due to advancements in artificial intelligence and data centers. Copper is also a critical component in military hardware, such as aircraft.
Lutnick emphasized the importance of restoring domestic copper production, declaring, “Our great American copper industry has been decimated by global actors attacking our domestic production. To build back our copper industry, I will investigate the imposition of possible tariffs.”
The probe will be conducted under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, the same authority Trump used during his presidency to justify significant tariffs on steel and aluminum.
This process allows officials to evaluate whether certain imports pose a national security threat. While no immediate decisions have been made, a White House official indicated that the administration intends to act swiftly.
If implemented, copper tariffs could heighten trade disputes with major suppliers, particularly Chile, which accounts for approximately 35% of U.S. copper imports, and Canada, another key trading partner.
Trump’s senior trade adviser, Peter Navarro, accused China of manipulating global copper markets, stating, “China has been using overcapacity and dumping tactics to gain control of the world’s copper supply.”
Although the United States possesses significant copper reserves, its limited refining and smelting infrastructure makes it dependent on foreign sources. Addressing this gap is expected to be a key focus of the investigation.
While there is no set deadline for the probe, officials suggested Lutnick would proceed quickly, moving at what they described as “Trump time.”
