Saturday, September 13, 2025

Trump Again Targets Critical Minerals Amid US Supply Chain Gaps

President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order initiating a Section 232 investigation into imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products.

The order emphasizes that critical minerals, including rare earth elements, “are foundational to military infrastructure, energy infrastructure, and advanced defense systems.” Trump’s administration points to significant risks posed by reliance on limited international suppliers who allegedly engage in “price manipulation, overcapacity, arbitrary export restrictions,” and use supply dominance to gain geopolitical leverage.

Key highlights of this directive include a comprehensive analysis of import data, foreign dependency risks, domestic production capabilities, and market distortions arising from foreign economic practices. The Commerce Department is tasked with delivering a draft interim report within 90 days and submitting a final report with policy recommendations to the president within 180 days.

Possible outcomes from the investigation could include tariffs, import restrictions, and incentives for boosting domestic production, processing, and recycling of these minerals. The order notably emphasizes safeguards against circumvention and policies designed to mitigate national security risks comprehensively.

However, this renewed push highlights enduring gaps despite previous federal efforts. The order acknowledges that the US defense and manufacturing sectors remain significantly vulnerable to disruptions—risks further amplified by “geopolitical instability and regional disruptions.”

Yet, this repeated turn to executive action suggests deeper systemic issues remain unresolved. As the order states bluntly, “Should the United States lose access to processed critical minerals from foreign sources,” significant disruptions across commercial and defense sectors would follow.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Soma Gold Q2 Earnings: Production Drops Amid Growth Effort

Guanajuato Q2 Earnings: Things Are Going Backwards

Electric Metals: The Sole US Domestic Source Of A Critical Mineral?

Recommended

Northern Superior Expands Philibert With 350 Metre Step Out Testing 1.10 g/t Gold Over 25.5 Metres

Goliath Resources Hits 18.58 g/t Gold Over 5.00 Metres At Surebet

Related News

Trump Brokers Congo Peace Deal With Eye on Critical Minerals

President Donald Trump brokered a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda...

Tuesday, July 1, 2025, 09:17:44 AM

Trump Open to Sending Prisoners to El Salvador

El Salvador offered last week to take custody of US prisoners and house them in...

Monday, February 10, 2025, 02:53:00 PM

US House Bill Introduced: Color Greenland “Red, White, and Blueland”

In a move that has sparked diplomatic head-scratching, Republican Rep. Buddy Carter introduced legislation that...

Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 02:55:00 PM

Is Twitter Bringing Trump Back?

A financial news Twitter account sent the platform ablaze early Monday morning with a post...

Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 11:27:00 AM

Federal Workers’ Union, Watchdogs Sue Trump Over Musk-Led Advisory Panel

On the same day that the new administration was sworn in, a federal workers’ union...

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 03:47:00 PM