US President Donald Trump’s transfer to impose a steep 50% tariff on imports of semi-finished copper and copper-based merchandise from August 1 may find yourself hurting US trade greater than its supposed targets of lowering import dependence, argued suppose tank International Commerce Analysis Initiative (GTRI).
The US will impose a steep 50 per cent tariff on imports of semi-finished copper and copper-based merchandise from August 1, 2025, citing nationwide safety considerations below Part 232 of the Commerce Growth Act.
The transfer was formalised by a Presidential Proclamation issued on July 29, 2025, and revealed on the official White Home web site.
The choice is aimed toward lowering dependence on overseas copper, which Washington claims poses a danger to crucial home sectors corresponding to defence, clear power, and infrastructure. Nevertheless, GTRI maintains that the coverage may find yourself hurting US trade greater than its supposed targets.
Copper is a foundational uncooked materials for electrical autos (EVs), energy grids, semiconductors, and defence electronics.
“A sudden 50% hike in enter prices will ripple by these sectors, slowing manufacturing, elevating costs, and undermining the US clear power transition,” GTRI mentioned in a report Thursday.
India exported USD 360 million price of copper merchandise to the US in 2024-25, together with plates, tubes, and different semi-finished kinds.
“These shipments will now be dearer. However because the tariff applies uniformly to all countries–including allies like Japan and the EU–it creates a degree taking part in discipline amongst world suppliers. India is unlikely to face any particular drawback in comparison with others,” asserted the GTRI report.
Furthermore, the influence on India’s copper commerce is proscribed, GTRI opined.
“In attempting to guard its home smelting sector, the US dangers penalising its downstream industries. The brand new tariff could carry minimal strategic achieve however important financial pain–especially at a time when copper is extra essential than ever to the US industrial future,” GTRI concluded.
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