On July 30, 2025, the United States imposed an additional 50% tariff on the value of the copper content of semi-finished or derived products with high copper content (e.g., tubes, wires, rods, sheets, electric cables, and copper-based accessories), effective from August 1, 2025.

This tariff does not apply to refined copper, which remains subject to investigations by U.S. authorities to determine the possible application of higher or additional tariffs.

Effects of the executive order of July 31, 2025;

• General regime: Exports from Chile to the U.S. will continue to be subject to the General Additional Tariff of 10%, which is applied over the 0% tariff established in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between both countries. Thus, unlike other countries with a base tariff higher than 0%, Chile will have a total tariff of 10% for its imports into the U.S.
• Exceptions: There are products exempted from the application of this additional tariff, such as refined copper and wood, which continue to be exempt from tariffs on their import into the U.S., in accordance with the FTA. However, the United States continues to conduct separate investigations on these products.

Regulatory timeline

• April 2, 2025: “Liberation Day”: The U.S. President announces the General Additional Tariff of 10% on most imports from the majority of countries (including Chile) not included in a Specific Tariff list, and a higher tariff to certain countries with greater trade barriers to U.S. products (e.g., China (34%), EU (20%), Japan (24%), Vietnam (46%).Strategic products such as copper and wood are excluded and subject to separate investigations.
• April 5, 2025: General Additional Tariff (10%) enters into full force and effect.
• April 9, 2025: Temporary suspension of the Specific Tariff implementation, until July 9, 2025, with the General Additional Tariff remaining in effect for all countries, including those subject to the Specific Tariffs regime.
• July 7, 2025: Suspension of the Specific Tariff extended to August 1, 2025, due to progress on bilateral negotiations.
• July 30, 2025: announcement of 50% tariff imposed on semi-finished copper products, effective August 1.
• July 31, 2025: Confirmation of 10% General Additional Tariff and the percentages of the Specific Tariff rates are modified for certain countries.
• August 1, 2025: Additional 50% tariff on semi-finished copper-derived products enters into full force and effect.
• August 7, 2025: A Specific Tariff regime enters into full force and effect.