On the 8th, US President Trump stated that he will impose a new 50% tariff on all copper imported into the United States.
However, he did not disclose the specific date when the new tariff will take effect.
At a Cabinet meeting held at the White House, he said: "I think we will raise copper's tariff to 50%."
According to US Commerce Secretary Lutnick, after the Cabinet meeting, the Commerce Department has completed its investigation of copper import conditions, and the new tariff is expected to be implemented "possibly by late July or August 1st."
Trump also pointed out that the US government is planning to impose new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and several other specific industries. For example, he said foreign-manufactured pharmaceuticals could face new tariffs of up to 200%.
He indicated that these new tariffs may not take effect in the short term, with the aim of giving pharmaceutical companies time to relocate to the US.
BRICS Nations to Be Hit with 10% Tariffs "Very Soon"
Trump also pointed out that the US will "very soon" impose a 10% tariff on imported products from BRICS countries.
He said: "BRICS member states will soon face a 10% tariff... as long as they are members of BRICS, they will have to pay a 10% tariff, but their membership will not last long."
He commented that the establishment of BRICS is designed to harm the United States and the US dollar's status as the world's reserve currency, but he will not allow this to happen.
He further stated that losing the dollar's reserve currency status would be like "losing a world war," and "America would no longer be America."
No Further Extension for "Reciprocal Tariff" Grace Period
In addition, Trump said on the social media platform "Truth Social" the same day that the grace period for the "reciprocal tariff," which ends on August 1st, will not be further extended.
He indicated that trade information concerning at least seven countries will be released on the morning of the 9th Eastern Time, with more countries' relevant information to be announced in the afternoon.
"Very Dissatisfied" with Putin, US Threatens Additional Sanctions on Russia
At the Cabinet meeting held at the White House on the same day, Trump also noted that he had approved the shipment of "some defensive weapons" to Ukraine and is considering further sanctions against Russia.
He stated that he is "very dissatisfied" with Russian President Putin.
He said that Putin "has often said a lot" and "the attitude has always been very good," but the results "mean nothing."
Trump added that he is considering whether to support a new Senate bill imposing tough sanctions on Russia.
Last year, Trump promised during his presidential campaign that he would quickly resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but since taking office in January this year, he has not made substantive progress on the matter.