Copper traders are rushing cargoes toward the United States before a 50% tariff on the metal, announced by President Donald Trump earlier this month, comes into force on 1 August. Shipping data compiled by Bloomberg show at least four vessels seeking to beat the deadline, underscoring how the sudden policy shift has upended trade routes and freight schedules. The bulk carrier Kiating left Townsville, Australia, on 16 July with about 8,000 metric tons of refined copper—believed to come from Glencore’s Mount Isa Mines—and has diverted to Hawaii to shave almost three weeks off its original route to New Orleans. In Latin America, the Louise Auerbach, BBC Norway and BBC Campana are carrying Chilean copper toward Tampa and other Gulf ports, attempting to clear US customs by late July. Importers stand to save tens of millions of dollars by arriving on time; a standard 15,000-ton consignment would incur more than $70 million in extra duty if it lands after the tariff takes effect. To improve their odds, cargo owners are arranging advance customs filings and paying for priority berths at ports, illustrating the financial stakes created by Washington’s latest trade barrier.