Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Addresses the Threat to National Security from Imports of Copper

Fact Sheets

TLDR

The referenced executive order initiates a Section 232 investigation into America’s copper import dependence (now 45%, up from 0% in 1991) as a national security concern. Commerce will assess vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain and recommend solutions to strengthen domestic capacity against foreign competition, particularly China, which controls over 50% of global smelting capacity. This continues Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” following recent tariffs on steel, aluminum, and Chinese imports.

President Trump has signed an Executive Order initiating a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 to assess national security risks related to America’s dependence on imported copper. This investigation will be conducted by the Secretary of Commerce and will culminate in a report identifying vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain with recommendations to enhance domestic industry resilience.

The Executive Order focuses on several critical issues:

  1. National Security Implications: Copper is identified as the Defense Department’s second-most utilized material, essential for defense applications, infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

  2. Growing Import Dependence: America’s reliance on copper imports has reportedly increased from virtually 0% in 1991 to 45% of consumption in 2024.

  3. Global Competition: Despite possessing copper reserves, America’s smelting and refining capacity lags behind competitors, with China controlling over 50% of global smelting capacity.

This Executive Order continues the “America First Trade Policy” approach that has characterized the administration’s actions since taking office in January 2025. It follows other recent trade measures including:

  • Restoring a 25% tariff on steel and elevating the tariff to 25% on aluminum
  • Implementing a 10% additional tariff on imports from China
  • Unveiling the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on trade

The Section 232 investigation could potentially lead to tariffs or other trade remedies on copper imports if they are deemed to threaten national security. This follows a pattern of using Section 232 as a trade policy tool, similar to the steel and aluminum tariffs implemented during Trump’s previous administration.

The focus on copper is significant given its importance in emerging technologies like clean energy and electric vehicles. This move could be viewed as an attempt to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly China.

However, the immediate impact on copper markets, domestic manufacturing, and international trade relations remains to be seen pending the results of the investigation and any subsequent policy actions.

SECURING AMERICA’S COPPER SUPPLY:

Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order launching an investigation into how copper imports threaten America’s national security and economic stability.

  • The Order directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
  • This investigation will assess the national security risks arising from the United States’ increasing dependence on imported copper, in all its forms, and the potential need for trade remedies to safeguard domestic industry.
  • The investigation will culminate in a report identifying vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain and providing recommendations to enhance the resilience of America’s domestic copper industry.

ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY: President Trump recognizes that an overreliance on foreign copper, in all its forms, could jeopardize U.S. defense capabilities, infrastructure development, and technological innovation.

  • Copper is an essential material for national security, economic strength, and industrial resilience.
  • Copper plays a vital role in defense applications, infrastructure, and emerging technologies like clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics.
  • Copper is the Defense Department’s second-most utilized material.
  • Despite possessing ample copper reserves, America’s smelting and refining capacity lags behind global competitors like China, which controls over 50% of global smelting.
  • The United States isn’t even in the top five nations in copper smelting capacity.
  • America’s reliance on copper imports has surged from virtually 0% in 1991 to 45% of consumption in 2024, heightening risks to supply chain security.
  • Foreign overcapacity in smelting and refining, coupled with potential export restrictions from other nations, threaten to disrupt copper availability for U.S. defense and industry needs.

STRENGTHENING AMERICAN INDUSTRY: This Executive Order builds on previous actions taken by the Trump Administration to ensure U.S. trade policy serves the nation’s long-term interests.

  • On Day One, President Trump initiated his America First Trade Policy to make America’s economy great again.
  • President Trump signed proclamations to close existing loopholes and exemptions to restore a true 25% tariff on steel and elevate the tariff to 25% on aluminum.
  • President Trump implemented a 10% additional tariff on imports from China in response to China’s role in the border crisis.
  • President Trump unveiled the “Fair and Reciprocal Plan” on trade to restore fairness in U.S. trade relationships and counter non-reciprocal trade agreements.

President Trump signed a memorandum to safeguard American innovation, including the consideration of tariffs to combat digital service taxes (DSTs), fines, practices, and policies that foreign governments levy on American companies.