Copper Import Tariff

[Beancounter81]

The US produces about half of the copper we consume each year. Most of the remainder is imported from Chile and Canada. While China is a big player in copper production, we don't import very much from them. The US has abundant copper ore; we just don't have enough smelting and refining capacity.

 

[Timber Wolf]

My older brother worked on a strip copper mine in AZ years ago. Story was the trace elements/minerals obtained payed the costs of production, the copper was profit. But, they closed when copper prices fell so I don’t know.

 

[PHS327]

An occupational name, Cooper means “barrel maker” and refers to those who made barrels, vats, casks, buckets, and other containers in Medieval England, when it was a highly prized craft.

 

[DrKHaC]

An occupational name, Cooper means “barrel maker” and refers to those who made barrels, vats, casks, buckets, and other containers in Medieval England, when it was a highly prized craft.

So Mini Barrel Maker S

 

[greenwellg]

CNN says Trump announced 50% tariffs on all copper imports.

Chile, Peru and the US have free trade agreements. I believe those three maybe the largest suppliers? If not US maybe be 4th or 5th.

Which do you believe?

 

[Rudi2]

The bigger question --- Why are you listening to anything cnn says?

 

[bubbajoe45]

 

[BillinAlamo]

I live within sight of the Chino/Santa Rita copper mine and the Tyrone mine across the valley here in southern New Mexico. My town was a Superfund site -- now remediated -- after they closed the smelter and dropped the stacks. I hear traffic from the mine 24/7. The local economy would be in a shambles if Freeport McMoRan pulled out. It was a big day in Hurley when they dripped the old Kennecott stacks in 2007. Still see flatbeds hauling large plates of pure copper. It is such a gorgeous and useful metal.

 

[CollinCountyLawman]

I just picked up 400 rounds of Federal 38 Special +P 158gr LSWC for my revolvers. Such a good price.

 

[max503]

Does Michigan still mine copper? Maybe he's trying to flip Michigan by bring them jobs?

 

[Law-dog]

Tariffs and metals prices are short term issues. like fruits and vegetables, Walmart just buys from somewhere else when a weather event shuts down imports. When there is a change in flow or supply, somebody else steps in to make money. Not to worry.

I was told the tariffs would effect my 401K, That is true. It is higher than ever before since the tariffs. I am up a solid 23% just since January 17. If it continues I would be above 40% for the year. Half my investments are blue chips, leading companies. It is the big company stock that tells us the risk or comfort level of the market. I do not worry about the price of copper.

That said, short term panic is always real. There is nothing wrong with buying bulk ammo or bullets and stocking up, until any such issue passes. Guns and ammo, except collectables are not investments, however, if you are eventually buying ammo anyway, buying cheaper in advance, is a hedge against both real inflation and and price inflation based on fear.

But then for those of us who reload, and cast, powder coat solves most of those issues and is much cheaper at least for handguns.

 

[BB57]

The US produces about half of the copper we consume each year. Most of the remainder is imported from Chile and Canada. While China is a big player in copper production, we don't import very much from them. The US has abundant copper ore; we just don't have enough smelting and refining capacity.

Exactly. This isn't about getting businesses and consumers to "buy American", there just isn't enough copper mined and refined in the US period. It will take years to develop the refining capability, and in the interim will drive up the cost of products containing copper and drive up the costs for copper components made outside the US.

Tariffs make sense for supporting emerging industries and technologies in the short term. However, when applied with a shotgun approach they are just a massive tax on consumers - in this context hand loaders and shooters.