White House seeks critical minerals import reductions

The White House seeks critical minerals import reductions through new trade negotiations and possible price controls. President Donald Trump authorized the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to negotiate mineral shipment volumes. The policy targets nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements critical to defense and technology supply chains.

Trump grounded the action in Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. He emphasized national security risks tied to processed critical minerals and derivative products. As a result, the administration signaled future remedies, including minimum import prices.

Meanwhile, the proclamation highlighted severe U.S. import dependence across key battery and technology materials. A White House study showed full import reliance for 12 critical minerals. It also found over 50 percent reliance for 29 additional minerals.

Why the White House seeks critical minerals import reductions

The administration cited weak domestic processing capacity as a central vulnerability. The U.S. still depends on foreign refining for nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. This reliance persists despite domestic mining potential.

However, price volatility continues to discourage private investment in market-based economies. The study linked volatility to facility closures and reduced long-term supply security. Consequently, the Commerce Secretary recommended import adjustments to protect national security.

The proclamation also named uranium, gallium, germanium, indium, praseodymium, terbium, and yttrium. These materials support semiconductors, magnets, and advanced weapons systems. Therefore, policymakers now view them as strategic assets.

Industry response and investment momentum

Industry groups welcomed the administration’s stance on critical minerals. Steel Manufacturers Association CEO Philip K. Bell praised the focus on reliable supply chains. He also stressed cooperation with allied nations.

At the same time, investment announcements accelerated across the sector. In July 2025, Apple committed $500 million to MP Materials. The partnership will expand rare earth recycling and magnet innovation in Mountain Pass, California.

Later, Korea Zinc unveiled plans for a $7.4 billion smelter in Clarksville, Tennessee. The facility aims to produce 540,000 tons of nonferrous metals annually. Korea Zinc will model the plant after its Onsan smelter in South Korea.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The move signals a structural shift in U.S. critical minerals strategy. Import negotiations may reshape pricing dynamics for nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Over time, domestic processing investments could reduce volatility and attract long-term capital. However, execution speed will determine whether supply risks truly decline.