Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Takes Action to Address the Threat to National Security from Imports of Copper
7/30/2025
Action Summary
- Proclamation and Tariff Imposition: President Trump signed a Proclamation imposing a universal 50% tariff on imports of semi‐finished copper products (e.g., pipes, wires, rods, sheets, tubes) and copper-intensive derivatives (e.g., fittings, cables, connectors, electrical components) effective August 1.
- Tariff Specifics: Tariffs target only the copper content while non-copper portions remain subject to other duties; tariffs do not stack and are not applied if auto 232 tariffs are in effect. Copper input materials and scrap are excluded.
- Commerce Department Actions: The Secretary of Commerce is directed to:
- Establish a product “inclusion” process to add copper derivative products to the tariff list.
- Implement measures under the Defense Production Act to support the domestic copper industry.
- Defense Production Act Measures: Steps include:
- Requiring that 25% of high-quality domestic copper scrap be sold in the U.S.
- Recommending export licensing for high-quality copper scrap to maintain domestic supply.
- Mandating that a percentage of copper input materials produced domestically be sold in the U.S.—starting at 25% in 2027, then increasing to 30% in 2028 and 40% in 2029—to support refining capacity.
- Basis for Action: The Proclamation follows a Section 232 investigation under the Trade Expansion Act, which found that:
- Copper is critical to U.S. defense and industrial capabilities.
- Foreign competitors and excessive environmental regulations have undermined the U.S. copper industry.
- The U.S. faces a significant trade deficit and unsustainable dependence on foreign copper.
- Broader Strategic Context: This action is part of a broader effort to revitalize domestic industry and reduce trade imbalances, building on previous initiatives such as:
- America First Trade Policy and earlier tariff measures on steel, aluminum, and imports from China.
- Multiple Executive Orders and Presidential Memoranda aimed at boosting domestic mining, manufacturing, and innovation.
Risks & Considerations
- The imposition of a 50% tariff on copper imports could increase costs for industries reliant on copper products, potentially affecting research and development projects at Vanderbilt University that utilize copper-intensive technologies.
- These tariffs may lead to increased prices for copper-based equipment and materials, impacting budget allocations for departments that rely on such resources, including engineering and technology programs.
- The focus on strengthening the domestic copper industry could lead to shifts in supply chains, requiring Vanderbilt to reassess its procurement strategies for copper-related materials and equipment.
- Potential disruptions in the availability of copper products might affect ongoing and future research projects, particularly those in fields such as electronics, renewable energy, and materials science.
Impacted Programs
- School of Engineering may face challenges in sourcing affordable copper materials for research and development, necessitating adjustments in project planning and execution.
- Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science and Engineering could experience increased costs for copper-based components, impacting research budgets and timelines.
- The Office of Procurement may need to explore alternative suppliers or negotiate new contracts to mitigate the financial impact of the tariffs on copper imports.
- Programs focused on renewable energy and sustainability might need to adapt to changes in the availability and cost of copper, a critical material in these fields.
Financial Impact
- The tariffs could lead to increased operational costs for departments and research centers that rely on copper products, potentially affecting funding allocations and project feasibility.
- Vanderbilt University may need to seek additional funding or reallocate existing resources to cover the increased costs associated with copper-intensive projects.
- There may be opportunities to collaborate with domestic copper producers or explore alternative materials to reduce dependency on imported copper products.
- Long-term financial planning might need to account for potential fluctuations in copper prices and availability, impacting budget forecasts and strategic initiatives.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential financial impacts on research and procurement strategies.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Department of Economics should conduct research on the economic impacts of the new tariffs on copper imports. This research can provide insights into how these tariffs might affect the broader economy, including potential impacts on industries that rely heavily on copper products.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the Defense Production Act and its implications for domestic copper production. Understanding these changes will be crucial for identifying potential research and collaboration opportunities with the government and industry partners.
- Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering could explore partnerships with domestic copper producers to develop innovative technologies that enhance copper refining and fabrication processes. This could position the university as a leader in advancing the domestic copper industry.
- The Center for Technology Transfer and Commercialization should assess the potential for new patents and technologies related to copper processing and usage. By identifying and protecting intellectual property, Vanderbilt can capitalize on emerging opportunities in the copper industry.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Research Centers to secure funding for projects focused on improving copper processing and refining technologies. By aligning research initiatives with national priorities, Vanderbilt can enhance its research portfolio and attract federal support.
- Vanderbilt can leverage its expertise in materials science to contribute to the development of new copper-based materials and applications. This could include collaborations with industry partners to create innovative products that meet the needs of the defense and manufacturing sectors.
- The emphasis on revitalizing the domestic copper industry aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. The university can develop programs and initiatives that focus on sustainable copper production and usage, positioning itself as a leader in environmentally responsible practices.
Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to impacts on research and industry partnerships.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Tariffs on semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivative products: Effective August 1, 2025.
- Copper input material domestic sale requirements: 25% in 2027, increasing to 30% in 2028 and 40% in 2029.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Commerce: The Proclamation directs its Secretary to establish an inclusion process to add copper derivative products to the tariffs, implement export licensing requirements, and enforce domestic sale mandates for copper scrap and input materials.
- Department of Defense (DOD): Although not directly tasked with executing the order, the investigation and resulting tariffs reference copper’s critical role in defense systems, thereby implicating the DOD in national security considerations.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Commerce – Tasked with establishing a product “inclusion” process for adding copper derivative products to the tariffs and executing directives under the Defense Production Act to support the domestic copper industry.
Relevance Score: 5 (These directives impact a Cabinet official with broad authority over trade and industrial policy.)