The United States increased its reliance on foreign mineral supplies in 2025, reversing a two-year trend of declining import dependence, according to federal data released last week.
The US Geological Survey’s 2026 Mineral Commodity Summaries shows the country depended on imports for more than half its consumption of 54 nonfuel minerals in 2025, up from 46 in 2024. The US was completely import-dependent for 16 minerals in 2025, up from 15 the previous year.
The increase came despite federal investments exceeding $1 billion in domestic mineral production projects and followed two consecutive years of declining import reliance from a peak of 51 commodities in 2022.
China and Canada each supplied 21 different minerals for which the US maintains greater than 50% import reliance, the survey found. Germany supplied 11 such commodities, followed by Brazil with 10 and Japan, Mexico, and South Africa with seven each.
Among the 16 minerals for which the US has no domestic production are graphite, manganese, and titanium sponge metal — materials essential for electric vehicle batteries, steel production, and aerospace systems. The list also includes arsenic, fluorspar, gallium, indium, scandium, and tantalum.
China produced 30 of 44 critical minerals tracked globally in 2025, according to the survey. The country accounted for 69% of global rare earth element production and 79% of natural graphite output.
China implemented export restrictions on 15 rare earth elements and other strategic minerals throughout 2025, including dysprosium, gadolinium, and yttrium in April and additional rare earths in October. The October restrictions were suspended for one year following an agreement with the US Government, though the April controls remained in effect.
Federal investments aimed at reducing import dependence totaled approximately $1 billion in 2025 through the Department of War, which took equity stakes and provided loans for domestic production of copper, gold, lead, rare earths, silver, and zinc. The agency also awarded grants for antimony, gallium, niobium, scandium, and tungsten projects.
The data reflects minerals sold or consumed during calendar year 2025, with the report approved for publication on February 6, 2026.
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.
