White House Delays Decision on Copper Tariffs Amid Affordability Concerns Ahead of Midterms

The White House has postponed a decision on imposing tariffs on refined copper, balancing concerns that higher copper prices could increase manufacturing costs against the goal of boosting domestic mining. Officials are reportedly focused on affordability ahead of the November midterm elections, as the administration faces pressure to demonstrate economic policies that lower costs for American consumers and businesses. The Commerce Department provided an update to President Trump by a June 30 deadline, but a final decision remains pending.