Yes, copper has tariffs in the United States, but not on every form of copper. Since August 1, 2025, Section 232 tariffs apply to semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivatives such as wire, cable and connectors. As of October 2026, most covered copper articles pay 50% and certain others, including many insulated cables with connectors, pay 25%, both on full customs value. Refined copper cathode, ores, concentrates and scrap are not covered. Confirm the current notice before you ship.
Key Takeaways
- Copper tariffs started August 1, 2025 and are in effect as of October 2026.
- They cover semi-finished copper and copper-intensive derivatives, not refined cathode.
- Many cable assemblies with connectors are listed at 25% of full value.
- No refined-copper tariff had been imposed as of mid-October 2026.
When Copper Tariffs Started and How They Changed
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| August 1, 2025 | 50% on semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivatives, charged on copper content only |
| April 6, 2026 | Duty moves to full customs value: 50% for most copper articles, 25% for certain copper articles; 10% if the copper is U.S.-smelted and cast |
| June 8, 2026 | The U.S.-metal threshold for the 10% rate drops from 95% to 85% of metal weight |
| July 30, 2026 | Importers of listed copper cables must report the country where the copper was smelted and cast |
The Congressional Research Service lists examples of semi-finished products as pipes, wires, rods, sheets and tubes, and derivatives as cables and connectors.
Refined Copper vs Semi-Finished Copper
This is where most confusion comes from. When it set the tariff in 2025, the Commerce Department recommended a phased tariff on refined copper of 15% in 2027 and 30% in 2028, with a decision to follow an update due by June 30, 2026. As of mid-October 2026 we found no proclamation imposing a refined-copper tariff. That recommendation is not law. We do not forecast whether it will be adopted, or where copper prices will go.
What Copper Tariffs Mean for EV Charging Cables
A charging cable is mostly copper by weight, so it is the part of a charger most exposed to copper tariffs. In the annexes to Proclamation 11032 (June 2026), heading 8544.42.90, insulated conductors with connectors up to 1,000 V, is listed at 25% as a copper article. A cable assembly shipped on its own, such as a replacement cable or extension cable, may fall under that heading. A complete charger with an attached cable is usually classified as the charger, but your broker must confirm.
- Weight test: listed products outside chapters 72, 73, 74 and 76 owe no metals duty if covered metal is under 15% of their weight.
- Documentation: ask your supplier for copper weight and the smelt and cast countries for listed cable codes.
- Pass-through: copper price and duty both feed cable cost. Longer, heavier-gauge cables carry more of both. See our cable length guide and why charging cables differ.
For importers, the question is not just “how much is the copper tariff” but which code each item uses and who pays it under your US customs setup. EVDANCE makes chargers such as the EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger in its own factory and can provide cable specifications and material weights for your broker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the copper tariff in effect right now?
Yes. As of October 2026, Section 232 copper tariffs apply to listed semi-finished copper products and derivatives at 50%, 25% or 10%.
How much are copper tariffs on refined copper?
None as of mid-October 2026. Refined cathode, anodes, ores, concentrates and scrap remain outside the Section 232 copper tariff.
Do copper tariffs stack with steel and aluminum tariffs?
No. A product listed for more than one metal pays a single Section 232 rate.
Related Reading
- Are All EV Charging Cables the Same?
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- What Drives the Unit Cost of an OEM EV Charger
- NACS Portable EV Charger Sourcing Guide for US Importers
