Update On Copper Tariff Effective August 1, 2025

On July 30, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation imposing a 50% tariff on imported semi‑finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products, effective August 1, 2025. This follows a Section 232 investigation by the Secretary of Commerce, completed June 30, 2025, which found that current import volumes and global overcapacity threaten U.S. industrial resilience. Here is the full fact sheet found at whitehouse.gov website.

Copper is the second most widely used material by the U.S. Department of Defense and is essential for defense systems, aircraft, ships, vehicles, ammunition, and critical infrastructure such as the electric grid and telecommunications, with no sufficient substitutes for many applications. Therefore, copper tariffs will impact many different industries.

What’s Affected and What’s Not

Products subject to the new 50% copper tariff immediately include:

• Copper wire, rods, sheets, pipes, and tubes
• Cables, connectors, pipe fittings, and other copper-intensive electrical components

The 50% rate applies immediately starting August 1, 2025.

Tariffs do not stack. If a product is covered under another Section 232 tariff (e.g., automotive), that tariff applies instead.

Not subject to the tariff:

• Copper ores and concentrates
• Copper scrap
• Cathodes, anodes, and mattes

Additional Provisions from the Proclamation

• By June 30, 2026, the Secretary will review the market to decide on a phased tariff on refined copper (15% starting in 2027, 30% beginning in 2028).
• At least 25% of certain copper input materials and high‑quality copper scrap must be sold domestically, with possible export controls on scrap.
• Within 90 days of the proclamation, a process will be established to include additional copper derivatives under the tariff if needed.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will require precise copper content declarations and may impose severe penalties for underreporting, including fines, loss of import privileges, or criminal charges.

What This Means for Our Customers and the Industry

• Prices for copper-based cable products may rise as a result of increased tariffs on imports.
• Lead times may be impacted due to shifting supply chains and sourcing adjustments across the industry.
• Some items may see tighter supply or higher minimum order quantities as distributors adjust stock levels.
• As for the industry in general, manufacturers may shift toward more domestic sourcing and invest in U.S. refining and fabrication capacity. Export controls on copper scrap (planned for 2027) could change material flows, and competition for domestic copper may intensify.

We are actively working to minimize disruptions and secure stable inventory.

For questions about pricing or availability, please contact Nassau National Cable sales.