Filenews 15 July 2025
By Lily Ogburn
The tariffs on copper imports announced by Donald Trump increase the price of the metal. This is not the only consequence of the U.S. president's move: Americans should expect an increase in crime and copper thefts.
Trump announced last week that the U.S. would impose 50 percent tariffs on copper imports, causing metal prices to jump.
Historically, when the price of copper rises, the metal becomes a target for theft, since the crafty remove copper from cars, air conditioners, street light lamps and construction sites.
Recently, Minneapolis spent $1 million. to restore "stripped" street lighting, while in Chicago copper is "extracted" from buildings and cell phone towers.
Trump's tariffs came after an investigation launched in February into the U.S. copper industry. The U.S. president has already imposed tariffs on steel and aluminium, but tariffs on copper could have a more drastic economic impact because the U.S. is heavily dependent on imports. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, over 50% of the copper used in the U.S. is imported. But in addition to the potential economic impact, the rise in copper prices coincides with an increase in vandalism and theft.
Copper is used in everything from electrical cables and buildings, to computers and cars. Copper is the third most consumed metal, behind iron and aluminium, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Copper is recyclable and resold close to its original price. When copper is expensive, thieves make a profit by removing it from construction sites, cell towers, air conditioners, and more.
Copper is found in a wide range of goods: from household appliances to industrial equipment. The metal is found in common cables, such as mobile and computer chargers, as well as WiFi and TV cables. Cars, trains, and airplanes also contain copper. Common household appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, air conditioners, freezers, and refrigerators feature copper wires and circuit boards. Thefts usually occur on construction sites, where copper is more accessible to thieves as electrical and plumbing installations as well as appliances are installed.
In Las Vegas, 300 kilometers long electrical cables "made wings" from street light lamps during the 2022-2024 period. In a more recent example, two men working for a JFK airport contractor stole $70,000 worth of copper cables from an airport warehouse in April.
August 1 will most likely be the date when the proposed 50% tariff on copper imports will come into force. Americans will expect to see a rise in copper and metal theft cases if prices continue to rise.
