India may seek WTO talks on US copper duties

India is considering seeking consultations with the US at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over Washington's tariffs on copper imports. This would mark the third case of India seeking such consultations with the US-after steel and aluminium, and automobiles and auto components-under the WTO Agreement on Safeguards.

The US imposed a 50% tariff on the copper input value of imports of semi-finished and derivative copper products starting August 1, under Section 232 of its Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Section 232 authorizes the US President to restrict imports of products that are deemed to threaten national security.

"We are considering an action on copper, similar to iron and steel, and auto," said an official. India exported copper products worth $360 million to the US in FY25.


On July 30, US President Donald Trump issued a presidential proclamation imposing the tariff, which came into effect on August 1.

In May, India had proposed retaliatory duties on certain American products under WTO norms, in response to the US tariffs on steel, aluminium, and auto parts-imposed under safeguard measures. The US had not accepted India's request for consultations on those tariffs.