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Chile and Mexico prepare for Trump's copper tariff announcement

The President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on Wednesday that Mexico could redirect copper it usually sends to the U.S. in order to avoid tariffs by the Trump administration. Her Chilean counterpart Gabriel Boric, however, said he has yet to hear anything from the U.S.

As part of his effort to increase domestic production, U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he will soon announce a tariff of 50% on copper imports. Copper accounts for nearly half the metal used in the United States.

News is likely to be a newsworthy event

Set off a scramble

Ship copper to the United States before tariffs are implemented, which is expected by the end or August 1.

Chile is the

Top refined copper supplier

Mexico is ranked fifth in the world, behind the U.S.

The United States is a relatively minor part of the Mexican and Chilean exports of copper, which are primarily sent to China in both cases.

Sheinbaum noted that Mexican officials will be in Washington, D.C. on Friday to discuss previously scheduled issues of trade, immigration and security.

She said at her daily press conference held in Mexico City that "copper is needed everywhere in the world. There are many options."

"Our responsibility is seeking the best possible negotiations with the U.S., and at the same look for other options to national production and exports in other destinations."

Boric told reporters in Santiago that the U.S. government had not yet communicated with him, and he was waiting for official confirmation.

Tariffs

The copper cathodes would be included, but "whether or not this will actually happen is a question".

He advised caution until more information was available, and seemed to criticize Trump's penchant for making impromptu statements, which he often shares on social media.

Boric, a reporter, said that in diplomacy policy is not made through social media but rather formal communication. Reporting by Daina-Beth Solomon, Fabian Cambero and Ana Isabel Martinez from Mexico City and Santiago; editing by Adam Jourdan & Mark Heinrich

(source: Reuters)