White House Curbs Copper Imports to Bolster U.S. Security
Published Date: 8/5/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The U.S. government found that too much copper is being imported, which hurts American copper makers and could weaken our national security. To fix this, new limits and rules on copper imports will start soon, helping protect jobs and keep our defense strong. These changes affect companies that bring in copper and could impact prices and supply starting in late 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 1 mixed.
Immediate 50% Tariff on Semi-Finished Copper
All imports of semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivative products listed in the Annex will be subject to a 50 percent tariff starting for goods entered or withdrawn for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on August 1, 2025. This tariff is in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, and charges applicable to those imports.
Possible Phased Refined Copper Tariffs (2027–2028)
The Secretary will report by June 30, 2026, to inform the President whether to impose a phased universal import duty on refined copper of 15 percent starting January 1, 2027, and 30 percent starting January 1, 2028, as recommended in the June 30, 2025 report. The President may determine whether those duties are warranted based on that update.
Domestic Sales Requirement and Scrap Controls
The proclamation implements the Secretary's recommendations to establish domestic sales requirements, including a domestic sales requirement for copper input materials starting at 25 percent in 2027 and a 25 percent domestic sales requirement for high-quality copper scrap, and to impose export controls for high-quality copper scrap. The Secretary is directed to take appropriate action to implement these requirements.
No Duty Drawback Allowed for These Duties
No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this proclamation, meaning importers of the covered copper articles cannot claim duty drawback for these proclaimed duties.
Stricter Content Declarations and Severe Penalties
U.S. Customs and Border Protection will issue authoritative guidance requiring strict compliance with declarations of copper content for imported articles, and importers who submit underreported declarations may face significant monetary penalties, loss of import privileges, and criminal liability consistent with U.S. law.
Foreign Trade Zone Admission and Treatment Rules
Any product subject to the duties of this proclamation that is admitted into a U.S. foreign trade zone on or after the effective date must be admitted as 'privileged foreign' status and will be subject upon entry for consumption to any ad valorem rates of duty related to its HTSUS classification.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11415 — Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
2026-11314 — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States
The U.S. is updating tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports to keep our national security strong. Big changes include higher taxes on metal products starting soon, affecting importers and industries using these metals. These moves aim to protect American jobs and industries while keeping prices fair.
2026-11180 — Realigning United States Core Childhood Vaccine Recommendations With Best Practices From Peer, Developed Countries
The U.S. is updating its childhood vaccine schedule to match the best practices of other developed countries, focusing on fewer vaccines but keeping all current options available. This change aims to boost public trust and respect parents' rights while still protecting kids’ health. The new schedule will roll out soon, with no extra costs expected for families or the government.
2026-11181 — Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands
This new order makes it easier for people to enjoy federal lands by removing old, confusing rules about off-road vehicle use that are no longer needed. It affects anyone who visits or manages public lands, updating rules to match modern technology and laws. These changes start right away and aim to save time and money while still protecting the environment.
2026-10817 — Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
2026-10481 — Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Belarus
The U.S. is keeping its national emergency with Belarus for another year because the Belarusian government still threatens democracy, human rights, and international safety. This means sanctions and restrictions on certain Belarusian officials and entities stay in place to protect U.S. interests. The emergency started in 2006 and was expanded in 2021, and it continues through June 16, 2027.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-14789 — Notice on Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States
The President declared a national emergency at the southern border to protect the U.S. from foreign criminal gangs and unauthorized crossings. Now, the Secretary of Homeland Security can call up Coast Guard reservists to help secure our maritime borders, joining the military’s Ready Reserve already in action. This move boosts border security efforts immediately and signals ongoing government support and resources to keep America safe.
Next: 2025-14896 — Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Brazil
The U.S. government is taking strong action against Brazil’s government because they’re threatening America’s security, economy, and free speech rights. New rules will block certain Brazilian officials and freeze their U.S. assets to stop censorship and human rights abuses. These changes start right away and could affect businesses and online platforms dealing with Brazil.