Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government has announced a 50% tariff on various imported copper products, which has surprised the market and led to a significant drop in COMEX copper prices [2][4]. Group 1: Tariff Announcement - The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on imported semi-finished copper products and copper-intensive derivatives starting August 1 [2]. - Copper input materials and scrap copper are exempt from these tariffs, indicating that the cost of copper imports may not increase [4]. Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the tariff announcement, COMEX copper prices plummeted over 18% on July 30, with the price difference between COMEX and LME copper narrowing sharply [2][5]. - The abnormal premium structure for U.S. copper has collapsed, reducing the incentive for traders to import copper from other regions [5]. Group 3: Future Implications - The U.S. copper import volume has nearly reached last year's total, and without price incentives, imports may be limited, potentially leading to re-exports [5]. - Trump has not ruled out the possibility of imposing tariffs on refined copper in the future, with a phased approach suggested for 2027 and 2028 [6]. - The U.S. administration is also taking measures to support the domestic copper industry, including requirements for domestic sales of high-quality scrap copper [6].