Prices of copper in the US have surged since January, when President Donald Trump threatened to impose a tariff on imports of the metal that’s a vital component in power networks, plumbing and industrial machinery.

President Donald Trump said he will put a 50% tariff on copper imports effective Aug. 1. "I am announcing a 50% tariff on copper, effective Aug. 1, 2025, after receiving a robust national security assessment,

The president was following through on an earlier statement that he would target a key metal used for semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries and more.