Trump delays new copper tariff over cost concerns for housing and AI gear

The Trump administration has hit pause on imposing new tariffs on refined copper, choosing to sidestep a policy move that would ripple through housing construction, electrical wiring, and the booming AI infrastructure buildout. The US imports roughly half of its annual copper supply and operates just two copper smelters domestically. The tariff landscape so far Section 232 tariffs of 50% on many semi-finished copper products and derivatives have already been in effect since August 1, 2025, with modifications made in April 2026. Those duties have already nudged prices higher, squeezed importers, and created downstream headaches for manufacturers who rely on copper as a core input. The proposed next phase would layer additional tariffs specifically on refined copper. A phased schedule has been floated, starting at 15% in January 2027 and climbing to 30% by 2028. But no final decision has materialized. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was tasked with assessing the copper market and delivering recommendations by June 30, 2026. That deadline has come and gone without a definitive ruling. Why copper is the quiet kingpin of the AI boom S&P Global projects global copper demand will gr...