Trump’s 50% Copper Tariff Risks Squeezing American Metal Buyers

US buyers of copper will pay a high price if President Donald Trump pushes ahead with a 50% tariff on refined metal as opposed to products such as wiring, according to producers and analysts.

As Trump prepares to slap a 50% levy on imported copper as of Aug. 1, the global supply chain is sweating on details of the measure. The government of Chile, which accounts for about 70% of metal shipped to the US, is pushing for exemptions, arguing that US manufacturing has little immediate alternative given America relies on imports for almost half its copper needs.

Taxing ...