in effect
Proclamation 10962, signed July 30, 2025, is a presidential action under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allows the president to restrict imports found to threaten national security. It imposes new tariffs on imported copper products based on a Commerce Department investigation that concluded U.S. dependence on foreign copper endangers defense and industrial supply chains.
A 50 percent tariff takes effect August 1, 2025 on semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products (specific items listed in the proclamation’s annex). The tariff applies only to the copper content of each article; non-copper content remains subject to other existing tariffs. No duty drawback (refund of tariffs on re-exported goods) is available. The Commerce Secretary must report back by June 30, 2026 on domestic refining capacity, after which the president may add a phased tariff on refined copper — 15 percent starting January 1, 2027 and 30 percent starting January 1, 2028. Within 90 days, Commerce must also establish a process for adding further copper derivative products to the tariff list.
U.S. companies that import copper wire, tubing, alloys, and other semi-finished or fabricated copper products will face a 50 percent duty on those goods immediately, raising their input costs. Domestic copper producers and fabricators are the intended beneficiaries, as the tariff is designed to make imported copper less price-competitive and encourage domestic investment. Importers who under-report the copper content of their goods face penalties including fines, loss of import privileges, and potential criminal liability.