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 is directing the government to consider potential tariffs on copper, the latest move by the White House to tax a wide array of imports and reshape global trade.

President Trump on Tuesday directed his Commerce secretary to investigate the need for possible tariffs on copper, the latest industry to potentially be targeted by Trump’s sweeping trade agenda.