U.S. Investigates Copper Import Dependence Amid National Security Concerns
President Donald Trump has directed the secretary of commerce to investigate national security risks posed by the United States' increasing dependence on imported copper. The probe may lead to policy measures aimed at securing domestic copper supply, though experts warn that meeting demand without relying on imports poses a significant challenge.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that while the nation mined 1.1 million tons of copper ore in 2024, only 890,000 tons of refined copper were produced domestically. With an annual demand of 1.8 million tons, the U.S. imports approximately 45% of the copper it requires for vehicles, electric grids, consumer electronics, and other industries. Arizona remains the top producer, accounting for 70% of the nation’s supply.
Despite the growing need for copper, domestic production has declined nearly 11% since 2020. Carson Richardson of the Arizona Geological Survey estimates that 728 billion pounds of copper remain untapped in U.S. reserves, though economic and regulatory factors complicate extraction. Many mines and smelters closed in the 1980s due to falling prices, with refining capacity shifting to countries like China and Japan.
San Carlos Apache Chairman Terry Rambler testified before Congress that China operates eight of the world’s 20 largest smelters, and its state-owned firm Chinalco holds a major stake in mining giant Rio Tinto. Meanwhile, proposed U.S. mining projects, such as the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona, face opposition from Indigenous groups and environmental activists due to concerns over land rights and water resources.
Even Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, exports much of its ore to China for refining, highlighting a global shortage of smelting and refining facilities. Experts compare copper’s value chain to coffee production, where refining and manufacturing increase the metal’s worth significantly.
Recycling is seen as a potential solution to reduce import dependence. The USGS estimates that 150,000 tons of copper were recycled from scrap in 2024, though this represents a decline from previous years. The International Copper Association notes that over 30% of copper in use today is recycled, yet experts argue that greater availability of copper in the system is necessary to boost recycling efforts.
Without a robust domestic supply chain, securing reliable access to critical metals like copper remains a challenge. Addressing refining capacity and increasing recycling efforts will be crucial in strengthening the U.S. copper supply for the future.
