In a recent executive order signed by the President of the United States, the national security implications of copper imports have been brought to the forefront. The order highlights the critical role that copper plays in the country’s defense applications, infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as clean energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics.
The United States, despite having ample copper reserves, faces significant vulnerabilities in its copper supply chain due to increasing reliance on foreign sources for mined, smelted, and refined copper. A single foreign producer dominates global copper smelting and refining, controlling over 50 percent of global smelting capacity and holding four of the top five largest refining facilities. This dominance, coupled with global overcapacity and control of world supply chains, poses a direct threat to the nation’s national security and economic stability.
To address these concerns, the executive order directs the Secretary of Commerce to initiate an investigation under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act to determine the effects of copper imports on national security. The investigation will assess factors such as domestic production capacity, demand for copper in defense and critical infrastructure sectors, reliance on foreign supply chains, and the impact of foreign government subsidies and trade practices on U.S. industry competitiveness.
Within 270 days, the Secretary of Commerce is required to submit a report to the President with findings on whether U.S. dependence on copper imports threatens national security and recommendations on mitigating such threats. This may include potential tariffs, export controls, or incentives to increase domestic production, as well as policy recommendations for strengthening the U.S. copper supply chain through strategic investments and recycling initiatives.
It is important to note that this executive order does not create any new rights or benefits enforceable by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities. It is intended to ensure a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic copper supply chain to safeguard the nation’s national security and economic interests.
This executive order, signed on February 25, 2025, underscores the importance of addressing vulnerabilities in the U.S. copper supply chain and taking proactive measures to protect the country’s interests in the face of increasing global competition and geopolitical challenges.
