An executive order calls for boosting the domestic industry by investigating the national security implications of imports and weighing tariffs.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a probe into possible tariffs on copper imports to rebuild U.S. production of a metal critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors and a wide range of consumer goods.

An executive order mandates a review of the threats posed by over-reliance on foreign copper, and recommendations for increasing domestic supply.

Tariffs, if they are imposed, could boost U.S. production of a valuable resource but also raise costs for automakers, construction companies and others.

The White House proclamation directing Commerce to initiate a Section 232 investigation on copper imports is now live. As always, the stakes are

China urged the United States on Thursday to halt an investigation into potential new tariffs on copper imports to rebuild U.S. production of the critical metal, vowing to retaliate if Chinese entities got caught up in the levies.

President Trump issued an executive order (EO) requiring the US Department of Commerce (Commerce) to investigate the national

The White House suggested Tuesday there is a strong case for copper import protections because the metal is an essential component of military hardware.

Doctor Copper has been trying to price in the potential for U.S. import tariffs since late January, when President Donald Trump first included the metal on his tariff wish list along with steel and aluminium.

The officials, briefing reporters on condition of anonymity, said it was premature to discuss a potential rate for the tariffs. Copper futures in New York surged nearly 5% for their biggest intraday gain since May last year.