U.S. Seeks to "Bring Copper Home" with New Tariff Announcement
The U.S. is accelerating domestic critical mineral production on various fronts while eyeing potential critical mineral investments abroad, especially in Africa.
In This Briefing
President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on copper imports starting August 1, 2025. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the rationale was to “bring copper production home.” The announcement came the same day the White House commenced a selective summit with African leaders from key mineral-producing nations.
President Donald Trump Announces Tariffs on Copper
On July 9, 2025, President Trump announced during a Cabinet meeting that he intends to impose a 50% tariff on all copper imports into the U.S., under Section 232 national-security provisions. This marks his fourth major sectoral tariff, following those on steel, aluminum, and autos. The tariff follows a February investigation into whether copper dependence affects national security. President Trump then confirmed on Truth Social that the tariff will take place “effective August 1, 2025 after receiving a robust NATIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT.”
The Washington Post - Trump affirms 50% tariff on copper imports will start Aug. 1
BBC - US will hike tariffs on copper to 50%, Trump says
For Background: The White House - ADDRESSING THE THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY FROM IMPORTS OF COPPER
🎯 Reactions So Far…
Traders are scrambling to send copper into the U.S. ahead of the deadline. Latin American exports are leading the charge, with major houses like Glencore, Trafigura, and Mercuria redirecting cargoes from Asia to the U.S. Key delivery areas for copper shipments include Hawaii and Puerto Rico. According to Bloomberg News, “In Chile, the key supplier of copper to the US, mining companies have been huddled in meetings to discuss how to prioritize shipments to the US through the end of July under their agreements with existing customers.”
Bloomberg: Copper Traders Rush Metal to Hawaii to Capture Mega Tariff Trade
Meanwhile in Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed news of the tariffs at her press conference saying, “Our responsibility is to seek the best possible negotiation with the U.S. and at the same time look for other options for national production and exports to other destinations.” Chilean President Gabriel Boric told reporters in Santiago that he questioned “whether the tariffs would include copper cathodes,” according to Reuters.
Reuters: Chile and Mexico brace for Trump copper tariff announcement
Commercial Investments Feature Prominently During Africa Summit
On July 9, 2025, President Trump kicked off a three-day summit hosting the leaders of five African countries: Senegal, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gabon. According to NPR, the U.S. president told reporters in the State Dining Room about the “great economic potential in Africa” where there are “very valuable lands, great minerals, great oil deposits.” Experts have weighed in and called the summit a part of a broader strategy to compete with China in Africa. As Professor Landry Signé, senior fellow in the Global Economy and Development Program and the Africa Growth Initiative at the Brookings Institution, put it: “By securing critical mineral access, expanding U.S. investment, and deepening bilateral trade, Washington is seeking to project influence, build alliances, and counter adversaries, making prosperity a tool of power and power a tool of prosperity.”
NPR: President Trump courts African leaders at White House
Radio France Internationale: President Trump hosts five African leaders in landmark summit on trade, investment and security
Brookings Institution: Prosperity and power: Trump’s selective US-Africa summit and the race with China
🌍 At Home and Abroad
MP Materials announced a public–private deal with the Department of Defense to build a second U.S. rare-earth magnet plant (the “10X Facility”) at its Mountain Pass site. The facility targets both defense and commercial applications, with operations expected by 2028. According to a press release from MP Materials, “This strategic partnership builds on MP Materials’ operational foundation to catalyze domestic production, strengthen industrial resilience, and secure critical supply chains for high-growth industries and future dual use applications.”
Although the U.S. is exploring potential critical minerals investments in Africa, nearly half of African countries have implemented export restrictions or bans on raw minerals. For example, Zimbabwe plans a full export ban on lithium by 2027. Many African raw-materials exporters are seeking to take advantage of global demand for minerals and “jump-start domestic industries,” according to The Wall Street Journal. Ultimately, African governments aim to create local jobs, develop industries, and move up the value chain rather than just exporting raw materials.
📌The Wall Street Journal: Africa Wants Its Critical Minerals to Yield Jobs, Not Just Dollars
The European Union is focusing on stockpiling critical minerals and has outlined a draft strategy seen by the Financial Times. The news outlet reported that the draft stated, “The EU faces an increasingly complex and deteriorating risk landscape marked by rising geopolitical tensions, including conflict, the mounting impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and hybrid and cyber threats.” In response to potential, further disruptions to critical mineral supply chains, the EU intends to ramp up stockpiling for “prompt recovery.” The draft is slated for publication at some point next week.
📌Financial Times: Brussels to stockpile critical minerals because of war risk
Indonesia’s chief negotiator and economic minister Airlangga Hartarto met with U.S. officials in Washington to advance trade talks focused on tariffs, non-tariff barriers, and commercial partnerships. Both sides aim to finalize negotiations in the coming weeks based on mutual benefit. Indonesia is seeking a broader partnership in the critical minerals sector, leveraging its rich reserves of nickel, copper, and cobalt.
📌Reuters: Indonesia, US eye wider critical minerals partnership after 'positive' meeting, top negotiator says
🔒 Premium Content
As mentioned in our first installment, our premium content will showcase insights gained from OSINT research. For now, subscribers will have a preview of the content offered.
On July 4, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chilean President Gabriel Boric had a telephone discussion in which the two leaders explored avenues to pursue “strategic cooperation” such as critical minerals and energy. The phone call occurred around the same time Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand spoke with Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren about “key investments in critical minerals.”
Agencia EFE: Mark Carney y Gabriel Boric hablan por teléfono para profundizar la relación bilateral
See the Facebook post on Canada’s Foreign Policy—Global Affairs Canada
As Seen on X: India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an update on his five-nation tour when he visited Namibia and met with President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on July 9, 2025. The two leaders discussed cooperation on a range of issues including critical minerals.
Critical Minerals Watch is a Valens Global intelligence product focused on developments in critical minerals, global supply chains, and international security. This edition is part of our public archive. Premium subscribers receive early access, exclusive briefings, and in-depth geopolitical analysis. To learn more about Valens Global, visit our website.