Copper futures surged after President Donald Trump ordered the US Commerce Department to examine possible imports tariffs on all forms of the metal.

An executive order mandates a review of the threats posed by over-reliance on foreign copper, and recommendations for increasing domestic supply.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday opened yet another front in his assault on global trade norms, ordering a new probe into possible new tariffs on copper imports to rebuild U.S. production of a metal critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors and a wide range of consumer goods.