The White House has imposed a 50% tariff on a broad range of semi-finished copper products, including wire rod, tubes, rods and telecommunication cables. According to Monday’s Federal Register notice, the duties apply to imports that were worth more than $15 billion last year. Refined copper remains exempt, reflecting the United States’ reliance on foreign supply of the raw metal. The move marks the first phase of President Donald Trump’s copper trade measures and follows earlier expansions of steel and aluminum duties. The administration has instructed officials to draw up, within 90 days, a plan for additional levies on other copper-intensive manufactured goods. Economists warn the surcharge could raise production costs for U.S. manufacturers and add to existing inflationary pressures. Copper futures fell sharply after the announcement as traders assessed the likely hit to demand, while industry groups said the higher prices risk eroding the competitiveness of sectors ranging from construction to telecommunications.