Friday, July 25, 2025

Trump Tariff on Copper 7-26-25

Recent news reports and official statements indicate that the Trump administration has taken action regarding tariffs on copper imports:

·       Tariff Announcement: President Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports, scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

·       National Security Assessment: This decision was made after receiving a national security assessment regarding copper, which Trump described as "robust".

·       Rationale: The administration cites copper's critical importance for national security, including its use in semiconductors, aircraft, ships, ammunition, and defense systems. They argue that an overreliance on foreign copper threatens the nation's defense capabilities, infrastructure, and technological innovation.

·       Section 232 Investigation: The tariff is a result of a Section 232 investigation initiated by the Trump administration into copper imports, exploring their impact on national security and the domestic industry.

·       Fact Sheet: The White House has issued a fact sheet outlining these actions, focusing on the national security implications of relying on foreign copper and the need to strengthen the domestic copper industry, according to a White House fact sheet.

·       Broader Context: These copper tariffs are part of a broader series of trade actions and tariff threats initiated by the Trump administration targeting various countries and industries, often with a stated goal of addressing trade imbalances and protecting American industries and jobs. 

·       Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat ...

Feb 25, 2025 — America's reliance on copper imports has surged from virtually 0% in 1991 to 45% of consumption in 2024, heightening risks to supply chain security.

https://www.google.com/search?q=trump+tariff+on+copper+whitehouse 

The Resolution Copper mine, located in Arizona, is anticipated to be a major source of copper for the United States. Once developed, it could supply up to 25% of the country's annual copper demand for the next four decades. The mine is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and BHP

The Resolution Copper project is still in the development phase, with ongoing permitting processes and a land exchange agreement with the US government. The project is expected to create numerous jobs and bring significant economic benefits to the region. The mine is located in Arizona's Copper Triangle, near the town of Superior. 

While the Resolution Copper mine is the most prominent project aiming to significantly increase domestic copper production, other mines like the Cactus Mine and Copper World Project are also contributing to Arizona's copper output. The Cactus Mine, owned by Arizona Sonoran Copper Company, is located on private land and aims to supply copper for the renewable energy sector. The Copper World Project, a proposed open-pit mine, is located southeast of Tucson. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+arizona+copper+mine+will+be+used+to+provide+copper+to+the+us

In 2024, the Morenci mine in Arizona, operated by Freeport-McMoRan, was the largest copper mine in the US, according to Nasdaq. It produced 700 million pounds of copper metal in 2024. Other significant contributors to US copper supply in 2024 included the Kennecott and Safford mines, also in Arizona. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+copper+mine+was+used+to+provide+copper+to+the+us+in+2024

In 2024, the Cerro Verde mine in Peru and the Escondida mine in Chile were key South American sources of copper for the US market, according to Anglo American and Investing News Network. Cerro Verde, operated by Freeport-McMoRan, is a major copper and molybdenum producer, while Escondida, co-owned by BHP and Rio Tinto, is the world's largest copper mine. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+copper+mine+in+south+america+was+used+to+provide+copper+to+the+us+in+2024

Comments

Trump has included Copper as a “critical metal” required to produce electronics and defense equipment.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

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