Top Copper Suppliers Urge U.S. to Avoid Tariffs, Warn of Global Repercussions

Chile, Canada, and Peru — the three largest suppliers of copper to the United States — have formally urged the Trump administration to avoid imposing tariffs on copper imports, arguing that their shipments pose no threat to U.S. national security and are essential to the country’s industrial supply chain.

The appeals come in response to a February decision by the White House to launch an investigation into potential copper tariffs under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The same provision was previously used to justify sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum. With results due by November, the investigation has raised concerns of further escalation in the ongoing global tariff disputes.

In letters submitted to the U.S. Commerce Department, now publicly available, all three nations emphasized their strong trade ties with the U.S. and the importance of copper to industries such as construction, defense, and electronics. Chilean Ambassador Juan Valdes noted that Chilean copper directly contributes to U.S. supply chain stability, adding that tariffs could undermine economic cooperation and inadvertently strengthen China's position in the global copper market.

Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, supplies 70% of U.S. refined copper and alloy imports. Canada and Peru follow with 17% and 7% respectively. Together, the three countries account for 94% of U.S. copper imports, according to Trade Data Monitor.

Canada’s government echoed the call for restraint, citing copper’s role in national defense manufacturing and cautioning that tariffs could advantage China — which already dominates global copper demand. Peru’s trade ministry similarly urged exemption, stating its copper exports pose no security risk to the U.S.

Freeport-McMoRan, a major global copper producer with operations across the Americas and Indonesia, also weighed in. While the company could benefit from tariffs in the short term, it warned that trade restrictions could have broader negative impacts on the global economy, mining costs, and investment flows. “A global trade war could result in slower economic growth,” the company stated.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Chile added that copper duties could ironically end up benefiting China, the primary global consumer of copper, by redirecting supply and altering trade dynamics.