US Announces Section 232 Copper Investigation

On February 25, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the U.S. Department of Commerce to initiate an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into the national security implications of copper imports. The investigation will assess the impact of imported copper in all forms, including mined copper, concentrates, refined copper, copper alloys, scrap copper, and derivative products.

The Executive Order highlights copper’s critical role in national defense, infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as clean energy and electric vehicles. Despite significant domestic copper reserves, the United States relies heavily on foreign sources for smelting and refining, with China controlling over 50% of global copper smelting capacity. The administration cites this dependency as a potential threat to national security and economic stability.

Scope of the Investigation

The Department of Commerce will examine multiple factors to determine whether reliance on imported copper constitutes a national security risk, including:

• The ability of domestic mining, smelting, refining, and recycling to meet U.S. demand.
• The role of foreign supply chains and risks associated with concentrated import sources.
• The impact of foreign government subsidies, overcapacity, and predatory trade practices on U.S. industry competitiveness.
• Potential export restrictions by foreign nations that could disrupt U.S. supply chains.
• The feasibility of expanding domestic production and refining capacity to reduce import dependence.

Possible Outcomes

Within 270 days, the Secretary of Commerce will submit a report to the President outlining findings and recommendations. If the investigation determines that copper imports threaten national security, the administration could implement measures such as tariffs, import quotas, or incentives to bolster domestic production.

Non-ferrous foundries are encouraged to stay engaged in this process, particularly if the Department of Commerce opens a public comment period or holds hearings on the investigation. For additional detail, members can review the full Executive Order and federal register announcements.

NFFS will continue to track the issue within its Government Affairs Committee and will ensure our industry’s data and input is included within the section 232 investigation where appropriate.