Tariffs, if they are imposed, could boost U.S. production of a valuable resource but also raise costs for automakers, construction companies and others.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive action directing the Commerce Department to examine possible copper tariffs, the latest in a string of measures aimed at imposing sector-specific levies that could reshape global supply chains.

China's commerce ministry on Thursday urged the United States to halt its tariff probe into copper imports as soon as possible, vowing to resolutely oppose it if U.S. goes ahead with the action.