New Delhi, July 31 -- President Donald Trump's move to impose a steep 50% tariff on imports of semi-finished copper and copper-based products from August 1 could end up hurting US industry more than its intended targets of reducing import dependence, argued think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

The US will impose a steep 50% tariff on imports of semi-finished copper and copper-based products from August 1, 2025, citing national security concerns under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

The move was formalised through a Presidential Proclamation issued on July 29, 2025, and published on the official White House website.

The decision is aimed at reducing dependence on foreign copper, which Washington claims poses a ris...