Overview of U.S. Copper Product Tariffs and Analysis of Potential Impact

The first round of additional U.S. tariffs on copper products took effect on August 1, 2025, followed by two supplementary revisions in April and June 2026 to adjust calculation rules and product-specific rates. As of June 2026, aside from minor adjustments to current rates, a key upcoming date is June 30, when the U.S. Department of Commerce is set to submit a review report on refined copper cathodes, proposing a phased tariff increase plan.

I. Overview of Current Tariff Policies

• August 1, 2025: Under White House Proclamation 10962, additional Section 232 tariffs were imposed on semi-finished copper products.
• April 6, 2026: Tariff calculation rules changed from copper-content basis to full shipment value ad valorem basis.
• June 8, 2026 (Eastern Time): Following a June 1 White House announcement, new measures took effect on June 8, reducing tariffs on certain copper-containing equipment and relaxing the threshold for using U.S.-origin materials, while keeping other main rates unchanged.

*Note: The most-favored-nation (MFN) base tariffs under the U.S. HTS (0%-3%) are applied separately. Section 232 tariffs are additional import duties.*

II. New Measures Effective June 8, 2026 (Announced June 1)

• Tariffs on copper-containing equipment for agricultural machinery and power grid applications were reduced from 25% to 15%, with this preferential rate valid until the end of 2027, after which original rates resume in 2028.
• The threshold for qualifying for a 10% preferential tariff was lowered from 95% to 85% for domestic content, broadening access for overseas facilities.
• Base tariffs on copper raw materials, refined copper, and major processed copper products remain stable, with no temporary increases.

III. Content and Source of the Department of Commerce’s June 30 Proposal

• Proposal Content: By June 30, 2026, the U.S. Department of Commerce is required to submit to the U.S. President a report on the refined copper market, following the department’s original 2025 recommendations. The proposal suggests a 15% additional tariff on imported copper cathodes, effective January 1, 2027, increasing to 30% on January 1, 2028.
• Policy Source: The proposed rates originate from Proclamation 10962 (July 30, 2025), Federal Register FR2025-14893, and data from the Department of Commerce’s Section 232 national security investigation report from June 2025. The proposal is an administrative recommendation only; it must be approved by a Presidential executive order to take effect. In June 2026, copper cathodes remain duty-free with no additional tariffs.