ReMA contributes comments in Commerce Department investigation into copper

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA), headquartered in Washington, says it filed formal comments regarding the U.S. Department of Commerce’s national security investigation into copper imports under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1964. The investigation could lead to the introduction of tariffs on covered copper imports similar to the 25 percent Section 232 tariffs that are in place on steel and aluminum articles and their derivatives.

President Donald Trump ordered the investigation into possible new tariffs on copper imports in late February, saying in his executive order, “Copper is a critical material essential to the national security, economic strength and industrial resilience of the United States. Copper, scrap copper and copper’s derivative products play a vital role in defense applications, infrastructure and emerging technologies, including clean energy, electric vehicles and advanced electronics. The United States faces significant vulnerabilities in the copper supply chain, with increasing reliance on foreign sources for mined, smelted and refined copper.”

The executive order adds that while the U.S. has ample copper reserves, its smelting and refining capacity lags that of global competitors, noting that China dominates global copper smelting and refining, controlling more than 50 percent of global smelting capacity and holding four of the top five largest refining facilities. “This dominance, coupled with global overcapacity and a single producer’s control of world supply chains, poses a direct threat to United States national security and economic stability.”

In its comments, ReMA underscored the essential role of copper recycling in supporting the U.S. economy, domestic manufacturing and national security.

"ReMA supports the administration’s efforts to ensure a robust American copper industry but strongly opposes restrictions on trade in recycled copper and restraints on recycled copper exports.

“A hallmark of American economic strength is the presence of American industries in export markets,” the association continues. “This is one of the many areas in which the recycled materials industry contributes to America’s global economic competitiveness. ReMA members’ exports are consistently and competitively strong. According to data from the U.S. International Trade Commission, in 2024, the industry exported nearly $27.7 billion in recycled materials. ReMA recyclers’ ability to produce for domestic needs and export surplus materials to the global market is the model that every industry should strive for. Exports not only significantly help the U.S. balance of trade but also extend America’s reach, power and influence abroad. In fact, recycled materials are among the nation’s largest commodity exports by volume, comparable to agricultural and energy products like grain and corn, cotton, timber and petroleum.”

ReMA concludes, “Exports of recycled copper contribute materially to America’s prosperity by supporting the American industry’s profitability and keeping the engine of American manufacturing running. This bolsters the American economy, which would not be as strong without a robust export market, and supports America’s trade surplus in this market segment.”

The Commerce Department, in consultation with the Departments of Defense, Interior, Energy, and others, has 270 days to report its findings to the president on whether U.S. dependence on copper imports threatens national security. 

The report also will provide recommended actions to mitigate such threats, including potential tariffs, export controls or incentives to increase domestic production, as well as policy recommendations to strengthen the domestic copper supply chain through strategic investments, permitting reforms and recycling initiatives.

Complementing the investigation into copper imports’ threat to national security is the president’s executive order, “Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production,” signed March 20, which calls for expediting permitting and providing funding and loans for mining projects.