Trump ordered an earlier investigation into possible tariffs on copper imports, arguing global competitors could pose a threat to national security and economic stability.

U.S. copper prices vaulted to an all-time high Tuesday after President Trump said Washington will slap imports of the metal with a 50% tax. Futures contracts for the metal--key for electrical wiring,

United States President Donald Trump has said he will announce a 50 percent tariff on copper, hoping to boost domestic production of a metal critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, the power grid and many consumer goods.