Staff Reports
President Trump has taken another bold step to protect American interests by signing an executive order to investigate whether foreign imports of copper are jeopardizing the nation’s economic and national security. This comes as no surprise considering the strategic importance of copper, which is essential not only for building infrastructure but also for powering the military’s ships, tanks, and aircraft. Moreover, it plays a significant role in electric vehicles and artificial intelligence—two sectors vital for America’s future technological dominance.
The order tasks Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with leading an investigation into the necessity of new tariffs on foreign copper producers. With a staggering 38% of the copper consumed in the United States coming from abroad, it doesn’t take an economic genius to see the risk this poses. The White House claims that unfair foreign competition is undermining the domestic copper industry, which isn’t just a matter of dollars and cents—it’s about protecting American jobs and ensuring that the country can sustain itself in times of crisis.
Trump signs executive order paving way for copper tariffshttps://t.co/ANgpYJ4y4G pic.twitter.com/vlXFGXQXb3
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 26, 2025
The executive action invokes Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, allowing the president to implement tariffs on imports that threaten national security. This isn’t uncharted territory for Trump, who has repeatedly emphasized the need for a level playing field when it comes to international trade. With 270 days to deliver the findings, Lutnick is under the microscope to come up with the right conclusions that could lead to tariffs that level the playing field while also giving an edge to U.S. production.
Trump’s previous promise to impose tariffs on a wide range of imports—from steel to automobiles—has already sent shockwaves through foreign markets. Canada and Mexico were put on notice, with proposed tariffs aimed at making these neighbors contribute more to border security. After a brief pause, the tariffs are set to start kicking in, demonstrating that Trump is serious about taking a strong stance on imports that could harm American safety and the economy.
The copper market is already reacting to the news, with prices climbing from around $4.26 per pound on Inauguration Day to $4.49 by this week. This increase hints at the anticipation of forthcoming tariffs, indicating that markets are adjusting to the new reality of American economic policy under Trump. As the administration pushes for fairness, it remains clear that the president is committed to bolstering American industries, ensuring that foreign competition does not undercut what is vital for national prosperity.
