On July 30, 2025, President Trump issued a proclamation imposing tariffs of 50 percent on copper and its derivatives. The tariff is effective as of 12:01 am eastern daylight time on August 1, 2025.
Additional details on the tariff are below.
- Stacking: the tariff will be assessed on the value of copper content. The non-copper content of the product will be subject to the other tariffs as apply.
- Exclusions: The tariff shall not apply to products subject to the autos / parts Section 232 tariffs.
- FTZ: Products admitted to an FTZ after 12:01 am Eastern on August 1 must be admitted in privileged foreign status. Goods eligible for admission to an FTZ under domestic status are exempt from the tariffs.
- Scope Expansion: Additional derivative copper articles may be added to the scope of the tariffs via process to be defined by the Secretary of Commerce.
- Duty Drawback: duty drawback is prohibited.
ST&R offers a three-pronged approach for avoiding, mitigating, and/or recovering these and other tariffs. For more information on which of these strategies might be most effective for your business, please contact ST&R.
Section 232 Investigation
These tariffs result from a Section 232 investigation initiated on February 25, 2025. The investigation assessed the national security risks related to imported copper in all its forms, including raw mined copper, copper concentrates, refined copper, copper alloys, scrap copper, and derivative products. The Secretary of Commerce concluded the investigation on June 30, 2025, by transmitting a report with recommendations to the President.
Official Documents