Trump confirms copper tariffs will be imposed starting August 1, mining stocks rise in response
President Trump confirmed a 50% tariff on global copper imports starting August 1, leading to a general rise in mining stocks in pre-market trading. Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold rose 2.7%, BHP rose 3%, and Rio Tinto rose 2.4%. Analysts pointed out that the implementation of the tariff will affect the market, with an expected increase in copper imports in the coming weeks, which may lead to upward pressure on copper prices
According to Zhitong Finance APP, on Thursday, U.S. pre-market trading saw mining stocks collectively rise. This came after President Trump confirmed that the U.S. would impose a 50% tariff on global copper imports starting August 1, which is also the effective date for his planned "reciprocal" tariffs.
As of the time of writing, Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX.US), the top copper producer in the U.S., was up 2.7% in pre-market trading; other rising stocks included BHP (BHP.US) up 3%, Rio Tinto (RIO.US) up 2.4%, Southern Copper (SCCO.US) up 1.9%, Teck Resources (TECK.US) up 1.1%, and Ero Copper (ERO.US) up 0.1%.
Among overseas mining companies, Anglo American rose 4.6% in London trading, while Glencore was up 3.5%.
Analysts at ANZ Research noted, "The ultimate impact may depend on the specific implementation of the tariffs. While refined copper may be the primary target for tariffs, if semi-finished materials like copper wire are also taxed, it could lead to broader market disruptions."
ANZ stated that due to the tariffs, the amount of copper entering the U.S. is expected to increase in the coming weeks, which may tighten copper supply in other major markets and create upward pressure on copper prices.
Earlier this week, when Trump first revealed plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper, copper prices had already surged to historic highs
