U.S. President Donald Trump says he will impose a 50% tariff on imported copper, sparking concern over impacts on Canada’s mining and export sectors.
Trump Announces Major Copper Tariff, Raising Trade Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to impose a 50 per cent tariff on imported copper, escalating trade tensions and prompting concern across Canada’s mining and manufacturing sectors.
The tariff proposal was made during a cabinet meeting at the White House, where Trump declared copper the latest target in his administration’s expanding trade war. “Today, we’re doing copper,” he said. “I believe the tariff on copper — we’re going to make it 50 per cent.”
Canadian Government Awaits Formal Executive Order
While no executive order has been signed yet, the Canadian government is monitoring developments closely. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada will withhold official comment until full details are released.
Trump’s announcement follows a Section 232 national security investigation launched in February—similar to the legal mechanism used to justify tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos in previous years. Those tariffs significantly impacted Canadian industries before being eased through the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Canada’s Copper Industry Braces for Fallout
Canada is the second-largest foreign supplier of copper to the U.S., following Chile. According to federal data, Canada exported $9.3 billion worth of copper and related products in 2023, with 52% going to the U.S..
British Columbia leads in copper production, but the province’s focus on Asian markets may shield it from direct economic harm. Vancouver-based Teck Resources confirmed it does not currently sell copper to U.S. buyers and expects no immediate impact from the proposed tariffs.
Quebec Operations May Face Disruption
Industry leaders are warning of deeper impacts elsewhere. Pierre Gratton, president and CEO of the Mining Association of Canada, said operations in Quebec could be hit hard, particularly those run by Glencore, which owns the Horne Smelter and Canadian Copper Refinery. These facilities employ hundreds and process tens of thousands of tonnes of copper annually.
“This could seriously disrupt North American supply chains,” Gratton said. “We’re concerned the tariffs may benefit lower-cost Chinese refiners at the expense of Canadian producers and U.S. manufacturers.”
Integrated Industry Faces Uncertain Future
The copper industry in North America is deeply integrated. Canadian smelters often refine concentrate sourced from other countries, and Canadian copper is used in U.S.-based manufacturing. A steep import tax could undermine that ecosystem.
“This will hurt copper producers who sell concentrate to Canada, and to manufacturers who purchase Canadian refined copper products,” Gratton added, calling for clarity on possible exemptions for Canada.
Trade Talks and Broader Tariff Strategy
The announcement comes as Trump and Carney continue negotiations aimed at resolving escalating trade disputes by a July 21 deadline. Trump’s broader strategy includes:
- Section 232 tariffs on imports posing “national security” concerns
- 25% tariff on non-CUSMA compliant goods from Canada
- Special rates on energy and potash
- A controversial push to penalize Canada for alleged inaction on fentanyl trafficking
Despite U.S. data showing minimal fentanyl flow across the northern border, Trump has framed the tariffs as part of a national security and public health response.
What’s Next for Canada’s Copper Sector?
For now, the Canadian mining industry is awaiting formal implementation of the copper tariff. If signed, the policy could drive up costs for U.S. buyers and restructure long-standing trade flows.
With export markets hanging in the balance, officials and industry groups are pushing for diplomacy—and clarity.
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