US President Donald Trump has announced plans to implement a steep 50 per cent tariff on copper imports starting August 1, 2025 — a move he says is aimed at safeguarding national security and strengthening domestic industries.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday, Trump revealed the decision followed a “robust national security assessment,” likely referencing a Department of Commerce investigation initiated earlier this year into the strategic importance of the metal.
Copper, a critical material in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and advanced technologies, has become a focal point in global trade as nations race to secure resources for the green transition.
In addition to the copper duties, Trump disclosed that new tariffs ranging between 20 and 30 per cent would also be imposed on imports from several countries, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Algeria, Libya, Iraq, and Moldova. These tariffs are also slated to take effect on August 1.
The latest round of duties follows earlier tariff threats issued in April, when Trump imposed a 10 per cent levy on nearly all US trading partners while hinting at steeper rates for specific nations.
Though the original deadline for the higher tariffs was set for this week, it has now been extended to August 1 to allow for continued negotiations.
Trump’s letters to various governments outlined the justification for the new tariffs, accusing trading partners of maintaining “far from reciprocal” trade relationships with the United States. He encouraged foreign manufacturers to relocate operations to the US to avoid future levies and warned of possible escalations should countries retaliate.
Asian economies have been particularly impacted by the new tariff measures, with key US allies like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Thailand receiving official notices.
Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Washington’s ongoing talks with the European Union. Trump hinted that a letter detailing proposed tariff rates for the EU could be dispatched within days.
European stock markets reacted positively on Thursday morning, with London’s FTSE 100 reaching a new record high amid optimism that a deal with the US could be secured to avert additional trade barriers.
Thus far, the Trump administration has only clinched agreements with Britain, Vietnam, and a temporary truce with China on reciprocal tariffs.
An EU spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that the bloc is eager to finalize a trade agreement “in the coming days,” signaling readiness to reach a deal in principle.
