Cross-border trade is under threat as President Trump promises higher tariffs. A sign of how much Texas imports and exports: Trucks entering the United States after crossing the Veterans International Bridge in Brownsville.

Lucy Shih shops at Daido Market in Houston, Thursday, April 10, 2025.

They call it Dr. Copper for a reason.

Market watchers say it has a PhD in economics because as goes copper, so goes the global economy. The not-so-precious metal is necessary for modern living, from power generation to electric wiring to semi-conductors. Volatile copper prices forecast a volatile economy.

President Donald Trump wants to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, and global futures price jumped 13% on the news. Under usual circumstances, a higher copper price indicates a growing economy.

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Trump, though, always turn past precedents on their head.

By taxing copper only for U.S. businesses, the president is raising the price of almost all domestic goods. Manufacturers will raise prices to reflect the higher input cost, and builders will raise prices on homes and commercial real estate. Under the law of supply and demand, higher prices mean fewer goods sold.

Did I mention that copper is used in every corner of the economy? But wait, there’s more.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, also on Tuesday, said he will roll out additional taxes on

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