The US government has issued an executive order to investigate the national security impact of copper imports under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The move comes as the country faces significant vulnerabilities in its copper supply chain, with increasing reliance on foreign sources.
Copper is a critical material essential to national security, economic strength, and industrial resilience. However, the US has ample copper reserves but lags significantly behind global competitors in smelting and refining capacity. A single foreign producer dominates global copper smelting and refining, controlling over 50% of global smelting capacity.
The order requires an investigation into the national security impact of imports of all forms of copper, including raw mined copper, copper concentrates, refined copper, and derivative products. The Secretary of Commerce will assess factors such as demand for copper in defense, energy, and critical infrastructure sectors, domestic production capacity, and foreign supply chain risks.
The US aims to ensure a reliable and secure domestic copper supply chain, given the increasing dependence on foreign sources and market manipulation risks. The investigation is expected to yield findings on whether US dependence on copper imports threatens national security, as well as recommendations for mitigation measures.
The order does not create any new rights or benefits but will be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to appropriation. It also emphasizes that the authority granted by law remains unchanged.
Source: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/addressing-the-threat-to-nationalsecurity-from-imports-of-copper