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SITCSection 6
U.S. imports of unrefined copper (including blister copper) and copper anodes for electrolytic refining (SITC 68211) totaled $1.9M in April 2026, traded with 8 countries.
Unrefined Copper (Including Blister Copper) and Copper Anodes for Electrolytic Refining imports of $1.9M in April 2026 ran 35% above the year-to-date monthly average of $1.4M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataBlister copper and other unrefined copper forms, along with cast copper anodes destined for electrolytic refining, represent the upstream smelter-output stage of the copper supply chain — the step before electrorefining produces the cathode copper used in wire and rod mills. Copper anodes are a specialized trade form: large cast slabs containing impurities that are dissolved away during electrolysis, yielding refined cathode copper and recoverable byproduct precious metals. Imports under this heading are subject to Section 232 tariff considerations that affect cost modeling for US copper refiners sourcing anode feed from overseas smelters.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Blister copper is the crude product of copper smelting — roughly 98–99% pure, with a blistered surface from escaping sulfur gases — and is an intermediate that may be further refined or cast into anodes. Copper anodes are cast from blister or other unrefined copper specifically for electrolytic refining. Both forms are included in this heading, as neither has undergone electrolytic refining to produce refined cathode copper.
Copper anodes imported for further processing into refined copper may be eligible for manufacturing drawback if the resulting refined copper or byproducts are subsequently exported. Importers should work with a licensed customs broker to structure the entry correctly — bonded warehouse or temporary importation bond programs may also be relevant depending on the refinery's operational model and the origin of the anodes.
Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | -- | $37.8M | +$37.8M |
| BELGIUM | -- | $9.8M | +$9.8M |
| INDIA | $1.5M | -- | -$1.5M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | -- | $577K | +$577K |
| MALAYSIA | $254K | $168K | -$86K |
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