https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/us-copper-prices-crash-most-record-after-50-trump-tariffs-exclude-refined-products?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act, which allows his administration to direct industries to boost production of copper critical to national security. This means 25% of high-quality copper scrap and forms of raw copper must be made in the U.S. and sold domestically in 2027. That percentage would rise to 40% by the end of the decade. This move should be enough to boost domestic refining capacity while supporting U.S. refiners.

Trump wrote in the order that the Commerce Secretary concluded copper imports threaten U.S. national security, citing overreliance on foreign sources, weakened domestic capacity, and global overproduction.

The metal is critical to defense systems, infrastructure, and the broader industrial base, with no adequate substitutes.

"Today, a single foreign country dominates global copper smelting and refining, controlling over 50 percent of global smelting capacity and holding four of the top five largest refining facilities," the order said, stopping short of naming China.

Trump's actions:

    Effective August 1, 2025, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products and intensive copper derivatives.

    Refined copper (cathodes) was excluded for now, but a phased tariff of 15% in 2027 and 30% in 2028 is under consideration.

    The tariff is in addition to any existing duties from other executive actions, such as those targeting drug trafficking or trade imbalances.

    The proclamation includes a mechanism to add further copper derivatives to the tariff list.

    Strict customs enforcement is ordered, including criminal penalties for underreporting copper content.

Trump's order seeks to rebuild America's copper industrial base, strengthen supply chain resilience, accelerate domestic production and investment, and reduce the alarming dependence on China for base metals and rare earths (think magnets). It's a strategic move to prepare for the volatile 2030s, as the global order fractures into a dangerous bipolar world. Securing critical supply chains now is essential to safeguarding the nation's future.

Trump is the greatest POTUS EVAH!!!

Quote from: Lokmar on July 31, 2025, 08:11:27 PMTrump is the greatest POTUS EVAH!!!

Interesting what one person does can make the price of copper go up or down based on just 1 decision.

That's why I wouldn't pile in too heavily on Silver.

Or for that matter even Platinum....Lokmar!

Mind you, gold is somewhat independent of what Trump does

There's some price stability in gold, but not necessarily the other metals, eh?

Quote from: JOE on July 31, 2025, 08:19:21 PMInteresting what one person does can make the price of copper go up or down based on just 1 decision.

That's why I wouldn't pile in too heavily on Silver.

Or for that matter even Platinum....Lokmar!

Mind you, gold is somewhat independent of what Trump does

There's some price stability in gold, but not necessarily the other metals, eh?

Even with todays drop, had you bought platinum when I told you, you'd be up $350/oz. Guess you dont like money tho! 

Quote from: JOE on July 31, 2025, 08:19:21 PMInteresting what one person does can make the price of copper go up or down based on just 1 decision.

That's why I wouldn't pile in too heavily on Silver.

Or for that matter even Platinum....Lokmar!

Mind you, gold is somewhat independent of what Trump does

There's some price stability in gold, but not necessarily the other metals, eh?

Sugarplum, remember I explained to you this morning after we had sex that a CEO hinting at capital spending cuts or increases moves a stock value up or down temporarily.

This is why I earn and handle the money in our loving relationship. You think short term. I guess someone your age has no alternative.

Quote from: Lokmar on July 31, 2025, 10:37:35 PMEven with todays drop, had you bought platinum when I told you, you'd be up $350/oz. Guess you dont like money tho! 

How many ounces did you buy...Lokmar?

I've only got 4 oz of it in my stash.

I suppose I could get another 6 and that it make it 10.

I'd rather not buy too much more than that.

How about yourself?

Quote from: JOE on July 31, 2025, 11:16:44 PMHow many ounces did you buy...Lokmar?

I've only got 4 oz of it in my stash.

I suppose I could get another 6 and that it make it 10.

I'd rather not buy too much more than that.

How about yourself?

Not a single bullion coin for myself. I sold all my shit, took the profits, paid bills and started building a new road race engine for my ZL1. I did buy gold and silver for my kid's and grandkid's birthdays. Thats all I will buy any of them now. I did buy a few things from the mint but for the most part, I'm done in the metals market.

Quote from: Lokmar on August 01, 2025, 09:28:21 AMNot a single bullion coin for myself. I sold all my shit, took the profits, paid bills and started building a new road race engine for my ZL1. I did buy gold and silver for my kid's and grandkid's birthdays. Thats all I will buy any of them now. I did buy a few things from the mint but for the most part, I'm done in the metals market.

A person doesn't get rich off of metals alone. They're more like backup in the event the SHTF. And this may arrive given the instability of the financial system.

After a person builds their position in them, it's best to diversify in stocks. If they want to remain in metals, mining stocks.

There are some well known American Investors I follow on You Tube like Rick Rule & Peter Leeds because they actually provide some stock recommendations/picks. You might check out their channels.

Quote from: JOE on August 01, 2025, 10:44:14 AMA person doesn't get rich off of metals alone. They're more like backup in the event the SHTF. And this may arrive given the instability of the financial system.

After a person builds their position in them, it's best to diversify in stocks. If they want to remain in metals, mining stocks.

There are some well known American Investors I follow on You Tube like Rick Rule & Peter Leeds because they actually provide some stock recommendations/picks. You might check out their channels.

Agreed for the most part. My strategy was to follow the metals markets, learn what drives them, and make money while doing it. I did the same with Litecoin 12 years ago. I sold all that off once I was done learning too. Thankfully, I got out before I had to pay taxes on it.

Quote from: Lokmar on August 01, 2025, 10:47:47 AMAgreed for the most part. My strategy was to follow the metals markets, learn what drives them, and make money while doing it. I did the same with Litecoin 12 years ago. I sold all that off once I was done learning too. Thankfully, I got out before I had to pay taxes on it.

Sales taxes on precious metals purchases likely coming in the future. Tax free purchases on Gold & Silver bullion seems to good to be true. I don't see how that can last. Some US states are already putting sales tax on metals such as Washington.

Quote from: JOE on August 01, 2025, 10:52:49 AMSales taxes on precious metals purchases likely coming in the future. Tax free purchases on Gold & Silver bullion seems to good to be true. I don't see how that can last. Some US states are already putting sales tax on metals such as Washington.

People simply purchase in tax free states and spend under $3K or whatever the threshold of reporting is. States that tax bullion only fuck themselves. Presently, even Illinois isnt that stupid.

Quote from: Lokmar on August 01, 2025, 10:54:58 AMPeople simply purchase in tax free states and spend under $3K or whatever the threshold of reporting is. States that tax bullion only fuck themselves. Presently, even Illinois isnt that stupid.

So you have to report Gold & Silver purchases over $3000 in the US?

Do they make you fill out a form?

Quote from: JOE on August 01, 2025, 11:06:25 AMSo you have to report Gold & Silver purchases over $3000 in the US?

Do they make you fill out a form?

We have a requirement that if you withdraw more than 3K in cash from your bank, it has to be reported. I typically stick to $2000 at a time so I dont have to be concerned. If you lay down $3K cash at a bullion dealer, they have to fill out a form too.