US and Japan Strike Rare Earths Deal to Secure Supply Chains

US and Japan Secure Critical Minerals Supply with Rare Earths Agreement

The United States and Japan have signed a pivotal framework agreement to secure the supply of rare earths and critical minerals. This agreement aims to lessen both countries’ reliance on China, the dominant global player in the rare earth market. Finalized during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Tokyo, the deal focuses on strengthening supply chains for minerals vital to the defense, electronics, automotive, and energy sectors.

Key Provisions of the Rare Earths Agreement

This agreement covers a broad range of cooperation areas, including mineral extraction, recycling, stockpiling, and investment in supply chains. While there are no direct financial commitments, both nations have committed to enhancing domestic mining and processing efforts. These actions will help create a more resilient supply chain for rare earths and related products like permanent magnets, batteries, and catalysts. The deal is a crucial step in reducing dependence on China, which controls the majority of the world’s rare earth production.

Strategic Implications for Global Rare Earths Supply Chains

The agreement also aims to avoid strategic asset sales and uphold pricing mechanisms that reflect the true cost of responsible extraction. Analysts from BMO Commodities suggest that the deal implicitly supports price floors—a growing issue in the global rare earths market. The deal aligns with recent US Department of War efforts, such as the $110/kg floor for Neodymium-Praseodymium (NdPr) set with MP Materials. This framework will help both countries identify key projects and address supply gaps, keeping them competitive in the critical minerals market.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The US-Japan rare earths deal marks a major shift in global supply chain dynamics. By reducing dependence on China, both nations are likely to form more strategic partnerships to ensure secure access to critical minerals. This agreement sets the stage for a broader trend in the rare earths market, where geopolitical factors will increasingly influence mining, processing, and pricing. It also highlights the strengthening of the US-Japan alliance, with rare earths at the heart of this new economic collaboration.