Chile, the world's No. 1 copper producer, is in wait-and-see mode after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a surprise 50% tariff on imports of the red metal, with the Andean nation blindsided while its top miner held out hope of exemptions.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday Mexico could redirect the copper it typically sends to the U.S. to avoid tariffs from the Trump administration, while her Chilean counterpart Gabriel Boric said he had yet to hear from the U.