India has requested consultations with the US under the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) safeguard agreement concerning the 50% tariff imposed by the US on certain copper products. This action follows India’s reservation of the right to impose retaliatory duties on selected US products in response to American tariffs on steel, aluminum, and auto components. The US measure, which applies a 50% tariff on all imports of certain copper products, took effect on August 1 and has no specified end date.
According to a WTO communication, India considers the tariff a safeguard measure and claims that the US failed to notify the WTO Committee on Safeguards about its decision. As an affected member with significant export interests, India is requesting formal consultations with the US.
In the fiscal year (FY) 2025, India exported $360 million worth of copper products to the US, including plates, tubes, and other semi-finished forms. India is a net importer of copper, with imports totaling $14.45 billion in 2024-25, far exceeding its exports. India also imported $288 million of copper scrap from the US, which may now become less viable due to the disrupted bilateral copper trade.