Tariffs, if they are imposed, could boost U.S. production of a valuable resource but also raise costs for automakers, construction companies and others.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday directed the government to consider possible tariffs on copper, the latest move by the White House to tax a wide array of imports and reshape global trade. “It will have a big impact,

President Trump on Tuesday directed his Commerce secretary to investigate the need for possible tariffs on copper, the latest industry to potentially be targeted by Trump’s sweeping trade agenda.

President Donald Trump opened yet another front on Tuesday in his assault on global trade norms, ordering a probe into potential new tariffs on copper imports to rebuild U.S. production of a metal critical to electric vehicles,

US President Donald Trump has ordered an investigation of copper imports in what is a first step toward potential tariffs on the metal. Administration officials said the White House wanted to find ways to boost US production of copper, a component used to make electric cars, ships and data centres that they said was vital to national security.

President Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order opening an investigation into whether foreign production and imports of copper threatens America’s economic and national security.

Trade protections are needed to develop domestic copper smelting and refining capacity, White House source tell Reuters.

The White House suggested Tuesday there is a strong case for copper import protections because the metal is an essential component of military hardware.