Prices of copper in the US have surged since January, when President Donald Trump threatened to impose a tariff on imports of the metal that’s a vital component in power networks, plumbing and industrial machinery.

Investors have had their fair share of things to digest this week. Trump the tariff man has returned in force. The president slapped a 50% tariff on copper imports, powering shares of metals play Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) up almost 5% on the week.

Manufacturers and construction companies — as well as consumers — would face higher prices if the U.S. jacks up tariffs on copper, analysts said.

Following the passage of its tax cut and spending bill last week, the Trump administration promised more trade deals

U.S. President Donald Trump's plans to impose 50% tariffs on copper would include semi-finished products such as those used for power grids, the military and data centers, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday,

The president was following through on an earlier statement that he would target a key metal used for semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries and more.

US buyers of copper will pay a high price if President Donald Trump pushes ahead with a 50% tariff on refined metal as opposed to products such as wiring, according to producers and analysts.