President Trump's threatened 50% copper tariffs have boosted prices for the metal in the U.S. far ahead of anywhere else, lifting the premium to roughly one quarter. Copper futures mainly trad

President Trump is amping up trade threats, again unveiling a new batch of letters to country leaders outlining tariffs on goods imported from their countries beginning in August and a warning to BRICS nations.

The price of copper moved upward sharply yesterday after Trump said he thought imports should be taxed at 50%. He also said pharmaceuticals should be tariffed at 200%. The U.S. is not self-sufficient in either product—which would make life more expensive for Americans if Trump follows through with his plans.