US Mineral Supply Chains Remain Exposed to China Chokehold

US Mineral Supply Chains Remain Exposed to China Chokehold

US mineral supply chains remain heavily dependent on foreign imports, raising strategic and economic concerns.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) reports that 16 of 90 non-fuel commodities were 100% import reliant last year.
Meanwhile, over half of apparent consumption for 54 minerals also depended on imports, intensifying supply risk.

China dominates the supply of several US critical minerals, including rare earths, graphite, and antimony.
For example, China provides 70% of US rare earths and nearly half of its arsenic and graphite.
Canada, Chile, and Mexico supply other key minerals, yet China’s influence remains central.

The US government has accelerated efforts to diversify mineral supply chains away from China.
Initiatives include a proposed $12 billion stockpile of critical minerals and a multilateral trade bloc strategy.
However, domestic mine development still averages 29 years, emphasizing the need for permitting reforms and investment incentives.

Strategic Implications of Mineral Import Reliance

Heavy import reliance exposes the US to geopolitical and market shocks in global minerals markets.
Critical minerals such as indium, niobium, and yttrium remain completely imported, limiting domestic resilience.
As a result, manufacturers in defense, EVs, and high-tech sectors face potential supply interruptions.

USGS data also shows that net import reliance above 50% remains high for 20 critical minerals.
This highlights a structural vulnerability in the US industrial metals and non-ferrous sector.
Efforts to re-shore production and increase domestic processing capacity remain essential for long-term stability.

China’s long-term dominance in minerals underscores the challenge of achieving supply chain independence.
Experts stress that material innovation, strategic stockpiles, and permitting reform will be critical to reducing reliance.
Meanwhile, allied cooperation offers a pathway to mitigate concentrated supply risks in the near term.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The US mineral supply chain remains structurally exposed to China, creating risks for industrial and strategic sectors.
Supply diversification, permitting reform, and international partnerships will define the next decade of minerals strategy.
Investors and policymakers must focus on both domestic capacity and global alliances to secure long-term mineral resilience.