Trump’s Copper Tariff Increases Are Threats to Communications Infrastructure
Proposed tariffs on copper imports would do far more harm than good for America’s communications infrastructure. By driving up prices on copper wiring—critical to broadband and electric utility networks—the policy would unintentionally incentivize copper theft, which already disrupts service and public safety across the country.
Higher copper costs would especially burden providers still maintaining outdated DSL networks, which rely heavily on copper and are more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. These providers already operate on slim margins, and added pressure could slow the transition to modern networks and widen the digital divide in underserved areas.
Rather than strengthening U.S. infrastructure, the tariffs risk making it more fragile. Policymakers should be working to improve network reliability and affordability—not amplifying the very problems they aim to fix.
