U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping trade measures on Wednesday, introducing a 50% tariff on copper imports and Brazilian goods while issuing tariff warnings to seven unnamed countries. The tariffs, set to take effect August 1, 2025, mark a significant escalation in global trade tensions.
In a Truth Social post, Trump framed the copper tariff as a national security imperative, citing its critical role in defense systems, semiconductors, and energy infrastructure. "America will, once again, build a DOMINANT Copper Industry," he declared, noting that nearly half of U.S. copper supplies are imported, primarily from Chile.
The move comes as defense contractors and tech manufacturers increasingly rely on copper for advanced weapons systems, lithium-ion batteries, and data centers. Analysts suggest the tariffs could reshape global supply chains while raising costs for U.S. industries dependent on imported materials.
Brazil – a major exporter of aluminum, steel, and agricultural products to the U.S. – now faces heightened trade barriers amid ongoing negotiations. The announcement follows Trump\u2019s 2024 campaign pledges to prioritize domestic manufacturing through aggressive trade policies.
