White House Halts Refined Copper Tariffs Amid Affordability Concerns

The White House is delaying its decision on refined copper tariffs amid concerns that higher prices could increase manufacturing costs, sources say. The administration had been considering tariffs as part of President Donald Trump's push to rebuild U.S. manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign supplies of critical materials.

Copper prices have surged to record highs due to expectations of a tariff, with traders and industrial buyers rushing to build inventories in the United States. This has created one of the world's largest stockpiles of the metal.

The administration is increasingly focused on affordability ahead of November's midterm elections, with Trump and Republican lawmakers facing pressure to demonstrate that their economic policies are lowering costs for American consumers and businesses.