Freeport-McMoRan could see a $1.6-billion boost to annual profit if President Donald Trump's copper tariff materializes, a benefit driven by the firm's role as the largest U.S. producer with more expansion options than rivals.

President Trump wants America to produce more of the much-needed mineral, but a 50 percent tariff could undermine his aim of a manufacturing renaissance.

President Donald Trump threatened a 35% tariff on some Canadian goods and raised the prospect of increasing levies on most other countries, ramping up his trade rhetoric in comments that weighed on stocks and boosted the US dollar.

Manufacturers and construction companies — as well as consumers — would face higher prices if the U.S. jacks up tariffs on copper, analysts said.

President Trump said Tuesday that an ongoing investigation of tariffs on copper will end with 50% duties on the metal, and he threatened 200% tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

Trump and his aides have repeatedly shifted their stance on tariffs in the weeks since the president’s “Liberation Day” announcement.

Copper and other industrial metals extended losses after US President Donald Trump injected fresh uncertainty into his trade agenda with a pledge to impose a 10% tariff on countries aligned with the BRICS bloc of nations.

Trump's tariff announcement delays implementation to August, impacting 14 countries. Markets fall as currencies weaken and exporters decline. Key levels analysed.