Trump says 50% tariff on copper to take effect on Aug. 1

ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a 50% tariff on copper imports which he announced the previous day will take effect on Aug. 1.

"I am announcing a 50% TARIFF on Copper, effective August 1, 2025, after receiving a robust NATIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Copper is essential in the manufacturing of semiconductors, aircraft, ships, ammunition, data centers, lithium-ion batteries, radar systems, missile defense systems and even hypersonic weapons, "of which we are building many," he said.

Noting that copper is the second most widely used material by the US Department of Defense, he added: "Why did our foolish (and SLEEPY!) ‘Leaders’ decimate this important Industry?”

"This 50% TARIFF will reverse the Biden Administration’s thoughtless behavior, and stupidity. America will, once again, build a DOMINANT Copper Industry. THIS IS, AFTER ALL, OUR GOLDEN AGE!"

Trump’s Tuesday announcement of 50% tariffs on copper imports pushed prices to new records in global markets.