# Statement from Cato Institute’s Matt Mittelsteadt on New Copper Tariff Announcement 

July 9, 2025 • News Releases 

In response to President Trump’s newly announced 50 percent tariff on imported copper, Cato Institute technology policy expert [Matt Mittelsteadt](https://www.cato.org/people/matt-mittelsteadt) issued the following statement:

> “This is a terrible idea and will have a significant impact on the tech sector. Fundamentally, digital technology and AI rely on data centers — and data centers depend on copper. By raising copper prices 50%, we will massively strain the infrastructure that powers innovation.”

For media inquiries or to speak with Mittelsteadt, please feel free to contact Emily Salamon at [esalamon@​cato.​org](mailto:esalamon@cato.org).

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