Canada, Chile, and Peru Urge U.S. to Scrap Proposed Copper Tariffs Amid Security, Trade Concerns

Canada, Chile, and Peru—three of the United States’ largest copper suppliers—are formally pushing back against a proposed move by former U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on copper imports. The three nations argue that such duties would damage longstanding trade relationships and harm American security and industrial interests.

Trump launched a Section 232 investigation in February to assess whether copper imports pose a threat to national security, the same legal tool he used during his previous term to impose sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum. If implemented, the copper tariffs could disrupt a crucial supply chain vital to electric vehicle production, infrastructure, and military equipment.

In recently published letters to the U.S. Commerce Department, the governments of Chile, Canada, and Peru—all free trade partners—emphasized their importance to U.S. manufacturing. Together, they supply 94% of U.S. copper and copper alloy imports, with Chile providing 70%, Canada 17%, and Peru 7%, according to Trade Data Monitor.

Chile’s ambassador to Washington, Juan Valdes, warned that tariffs on Chilean copper would not only jeopardize the U.S. supply chain but also give China greater leverage, as the Asian giant already purchases the bulk of Chile’s copper. The American Chamber of Commerce in Chile echoed those concerns, cautioning that any trade barriers would weaken U.S. security and economic competitiveness.

Canada’s submission emphasized copper’s critical role in American defense systems and clean energy development. Pierre Gratton, president of the Mining Association of Canada, warned that tariffs on Canadian copper would be “counterproductive,” further tilting the market in China’s favor and undermining the very goals of U.S. trade protectionism.

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Peru’s Ministry of Foreign Trade also urged the U.S. to maintain open copper trade, stressing the country’s history as a reliable partner. “Our copper exports pose no security threat,” the letter stated, calling for continued cooperation.

The Section 232 investigation must conclude within 270 days of its launch, but no official decision has yet been announced. Copper stakeholders across North and South America now await Washington’s next move, fearing the fallout from another wave of protectionist policy.