Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to investigate the impact of copper imports on America's national security and economic stability. This directive could potentially lead to the imposition of new tariffs on copper, a vital metal in the production of military hardware such as aircraft, vehicles, and ships.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump has tasked Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with conducting the investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This act permits the president to impose import restrictions if an import is found to undermine the United States' national security. The move aligns with Trump's broader strategy to bolster the U.S. manufacturing sector, reduce trade deficits, and achieve various policy goals.
A White House fact sheet stated that the investigation aims to evaluate the national security risks associated with the United States' reliance on imported copper and determine the necessity of trade remedies to protect the domestic industry. The final report will identify vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain and suggest measures to strengthen the resilience of America's domestic copper industry.
Trump emphasized on social media that the U.S. copper industry has been severely impacted by global actors targeting domestic production. He expressed his desire to revitalize the industry through tariffs and strengthen national defense, insisting that American industries should depend on copper made in America without any exceptions.
Per the investigation protocol, the commerce secretary has 270 days to present findings and recommendations to the president, who then has 90 days to make a decision based on the report. A White House official mentioned that the investigation is expected to proceed rapidly, in line with Trump's expedited approach.
This initiative follows Trump's recent announcement of a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, along with plans to impose "reciprocal" tariffs on U.S. imports. The administration is also considering tariffs on other sectors, including cars, chips, and pharmaceuticals.