China Warns U.S. Against Tariffs on Copper Imports, Vows Retaliation

China has called on the United States to halt its investigation into potential new tariffs on copper imports, warning of retaliatory measures if Chinese entities are affected. The statement came after President Donald Trump directed the Commerce Department to launch a national security probe into copper imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the same law used in his first term to impose global tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson He Yadong condemned the move, stating that it would disrupt global industrial supply chains and weaken the multilateral trading system. He rejected allegations that China was using subsidies and overcapacity to undermine competition, calling them baseless.

Trump's push to rebuild U.S. copper production is driven by the metal's strategic importance in electric vehicle manufacturing, military applications, the power grid, and consumer electronics. However, China has warned that if tariffs or other trade restrictions are imposed, it will take necessary measures to protect its interests, though no specific countermeasures were detailed.