President Donald Trump on Wednesday affirmed that the United States will levy a 50 percent tariff on copper imports starting Aug. 1, following through on an earlier statement that he would target a key metal used for semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, renewable energy technology and more.

President Donald Trump says he will put a 50% tariff on copper imports before noting the value of the versatile metal.

President Donald Trump announced that the United States will impose a 50% tariff on all copper imports starting August 1. The decision threatens to disrupt a global supply chain for one of the key inputs for the American industry and a crucial commodity for the green technology transition.