Thu Jul 31 10:18:05 UTC 2025: **Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:**
**Summary:**
The United States has announced a 50% tariff on imports of semi-finished copper and copper-based products, effective August 1, 2025. Washington claims this is necessary to reduce reliance on foreign copper and safeguard national security, citing risks to critical sectors like defense and clean energy. While India exports copper products worth $360 million to the U.S., the impact is expected to be limited as the tariff applies globally. However, disrupted bilateral copper flows may affect India’s $288 million copper scrap imports from the U.S. Contrasting the U.S. protectionist stance, India maintains relatively low tariffs on copper imports.
**News Article:**
**U.S. Slaps 50% Tariff on Copper Imports; Limited Impact Expected on India**
**New Delhi, July 31, 2025:** The United States has announced a significant 50% tariff on imports of semi-finished copper and copper-based products, effective August 1, 2025. The move, justified by Washington as necessary to bolster national security and reduce dependence on foreign copper, could have ripple effects on global trade, though its impact on India is projected to be limited.
According to a White House executive order, the U.S. deems imported copper a threat to its critical domestic sectors, including defense, clean energy, and infrastructure. The tariff, applicable to all countries, aims to protect these sectors by reducing reliance on foreign supplies.
While India exported approximately $360 million worth of copper products, including plates and tubes, to the U.S. in FY2025, experts believe the impact will be minimal. “Since the tariff applies uniformly to all countries, India is unlikely to face any specific disadvantage compared to others. Moreover, the impact on India’s copper trade is limited,” said Ajay Srivastava, Founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).
However, the decision may disrupt bilateral trade flows, particularly concerning India’s $288 million imports of copper scrap from the U.S., which could become less viable.
The move highlights a contrasting approach to copper trade between the two nations. While the U.S. has adopted a protectionist stance with a 50% tariff, India maintains relatively low import tariffs: 2.5% on copper ore and concentrates, 5% on refined copper and copper alloys, and 10% on certain copper articles.
The U.S. decision is driven by concerns that dependence on foreign copper could hinder the development of crucial sectors, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), power grids, semiconductors, and defense electronics. Critics argue the tariff will drive up costs and undermine the U.S. clean energy transition.
India, a net importer of copper, relies heavily on imports from countries like Chile, Indonesia, and Australia. The long-term implications of the U.S. tariff on global copper supply chains remain to be seen.
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