Trump Imposes 50% Tariff on Copper: Experts Warn of Rising Prices for Appliances and Electric Vehicles

• Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper to strengthen domestic production and military security.
• Experts warn the tax will drive up prices in appliances, home repairs, and electric vehicles.
• The tariff takes effect on August 1. Analysts foresee uncertainty in imports and possible exemptions for major producers.

Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose a 50% tariff on copper starting August 1.

His argument: to protect the local industry and secure critical materials for defense and technology.

The announcement was made on Truth Social, where Trump blamed the Biden administration for weakening domestic production. He promised that the new tax would restore dominance to America’s copper industry.

Import Tariff: Copper as a Key Resource

Copper isn’t just any metal. It’s found in semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, appliances, electrical wiring, defense systems, and even household plumbing.

• A tariff this high jolts the entire supply chain dependent on the metal.
• The market has already reacted: copper prices surged 13% in a single day following the announcement, hitting an all-time high. Citigroup called it “a decisive moment” that will severely limit significant imports into the country.

Trump defended his decision, stating: “Copper is the second most-used material by the Department of Defense. This 50% tariff will reverse the stupidity of the previous administration.”

How the Copper Tariff Could Indirectly Affect Costs

For the Latino community, the impact could be felt on multiple fronts:

• Appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines may become more expensive, since they rely on copper for electrical and cooling components.
• Home repairs will also get pricier. Many Latinos maintain their homes through personal effort and DIY remodeling. Any increase in the cost of electrical wiring or plumbing will strain household budgets.

Additionally, electricity costs could rise if maintaining the national grid becomes more expensive.

Experts Warn About the Effects of the Copper Tariff

Ryan Young, senior economist at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, told CBS: “It’s bad news for everyone. If business costs go up, they pass them on to consumers. We’ll see higher prices for repairs and copper-containing products.”

Daan de Jonge, from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, explained: “A 50% price increase will inevitably create domino effects on the costs of new infrastructure, housing, refrigerators, cars, and air conditioning.”

What Lies Ahead Under the New Tariffs

The copper import tariff will apply starting in August, but questions remain about how it will be implemented. Will there be exemptions for certain producers? Will a grace period be granted for shipments already in transit?

Meanwhile, industries like construction, automotive, and appliances are bracing for potential price hikes.

Trump insists these tariffs will create incentives to mine and process more copper domestically and generate jobs. But in the short term, consumers will bear the brunt of the impact.