ReMA adds its voice to the Commerce Department investigation into copper

The Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) has submitted comments in the Commerce Department’s investigation into possible tariffs on copper imports, which President Donald Trump ordered in late February.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick started the investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the law Trump used in his first term to impose 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum.

“Copper, scrap copper and copper’s derivative products play a vital role in defense applications, infrastructure and emerging technologies, including clean energy, electric vehicles and advanced electronics,” Trump writes in the executive order.

“ReMA recyclers’ ability to produce for domestic needs and export surplus materials to the global market is the model that every industry should strive for.” – ReMA in comments submitted to the Commerce Department in the Section 232 copper investigation

It also says that while the U.S. has ample copper reserves, its smelting and refining capacity lags global competitors’, noting China controls more than 50 percent of global smelting capacity and has four of the five largest refining facilities. 

The report could recommend tariffs, export controls or incentives to increase domestic production and make policy recommendations for strategic investments, permitting reforms and recycling initiatives.

Washington-based ReMA’s comments underscore the essential role of copper recycling in supporting the U.S. economy, domestic manufacturing and national security, but the association voices its opposition to restrictions on recycled copper exports.

“A hallmark of American economic strength is the presence of American industries in export markets,” the association writes. “This is one of the many areas in which the recycled materials industry contributes to America’s global economic competitiveness. ReMA members’ exports are consistently and competitively strong.”

ReMA notes the industry exported nearly $27.7 billion in recycled materials in 2024. “ReMA recyclers’ ability to produce for domestic needs and export surplus materials to the global market is the model that every industry should strive for. Exports not only significantly help the U.S. balance of trade but also extend America’s reach, power and influence abroad.”

Daniel Pickard, a shareholder and the International Trade & National Security Practice group leader at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Washington says an affirmative finding in the copper investigation is likely.

“It is clear the administration is determined to strongly pursue trade policies that promote domestic industries and supply chains,” he adds.

“As we’ve seen in other markets like steel, tariffs have a tendency of reducing imports and raising domestic prices, and in this case, the copper market seems to be pricing this in.”