Copper tariffs are 50% of full customs value for most listed copper articles, such as wire, rod and tube, and 25% for certain insulated cables, as of October 2026. Products whose metal is at least 85% U.S. smelted and cast pay 10%. Normal duty is added on top, and some goods owe nothing if covered metal is under 15% of their weight. Below are worked examples using hypothetical shipment values.
Key Takeaways
- Most copper articles pay 50% and certain cables 25% of full value.
- Documented U.S. copper can cut the rate to 10%.
- On $10,000 of cable assemblies, the 232 duty alone is $2,500.
- Accurate declarations matter; under-declaring is penalized.
The Rates in One Place
| Situation (October 2026) | Section 232 rate | Applied to |
|---|---|---|
| Most copper articles (rod, wire, sheet, tube, stranded wire) | 50% | Full customs value |
| Certain copper articles, including several insulated cable codes | 25% | Full customs value |
| Metal at least 85% U.S. smelted and cast (by weight) | 10% | Full customs value |
| Listed item outside HTS chapters 72–76 with covered metal under 15% of weight | 0% | — |
| Refined cathode, ore, concentrate, scrap | Not covered | — |
Worked Examples
Each example assumes a $10,000 customs value and uses normal duty rates from the U.S. tariff schedule for the code shown. They exclude Section 301, fees and freight, which depend on origin and shipment.
- Copper wire, HTS 7408.19 (normal duty 3%): normal duty $300 + Section 232 at 50% = $5,000. Total $5,300.
- Charging cable assemblies, HTS 8544.42.90 (normal duty 2.6%): $260 + Section 232 at 25% = $2,500. Total $2,760.
- Same cables with documented U.S. copper: $260 + Section 232 at 10% = $1,000. Total $1,260.
- A listed product outside chapters 72–76 with 12% covered metal by weight: no Section 232 duty; normal duty only.
Before April 6, 2026, the duty applied only to the value of the copper content. Since then it applies to the whole value, which raises the cost of products where copper is a small share of price.
How Copper Tariffs Reach the Price of a Charger
For most buyers, the copper tariff arrives in two ways. Directly, when you import cables, wire or copper parts that are on the lists. Indirectly, when a U.S. supplier’s copper inputs cost more. A complete charger is usually classified under its own heading, so the direct effect is concentrated in spare and extension cables. Longer and heavier cables carry more copper, as our cable length guide explains, and the portable charger price guide shows typical retail ranges. We do not forecast copper prices or future tariff rates.
Keeping the Numbers Honest
Declare value, origin and metal content accurately. Under-declaring to reduce copper duty can bring penalties under 19 U.S.C. 1592 and back duties. EVDANCE ships factory-direct with commercial invoices that match the goods, and can provide copper weights per cable for your broker. Brands sourcing private-label chargers can start with our OEM program or review unit cost drivers first. Rates and rules here are as of October 2026; confirm the current proclamation and HTS notes before you ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the copper tariff on cables?
Many insulated cables with connectors up to 1,000 V (HTS 8544.42.90) are listed at 25% of full value as of October 2026, plus normal duty.
Is the copper tariff charged on the copper content or the whole product?
On the whole product’s customs value since April 6, 2026. Before that, it applied to copper content only.
Does Section 301 apply on top of copper tariffs?
It can, for goods from China, depending on the HTS code. Ask a licensed customs broker to confirm your full duty stack.
Related Reading
- EV Charger Cable Length Guide: 5 m, 7.5 m or Longer?
- Are All EV Charging Cables the Same?
- Importing EV Chargers Into the US: Customs, HTS and Section 301
- How Much Are Portable EV Chargers? Price Ranges by Type
