U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the Secretary of Commerce to launch an investigation into the country’s heavy reliance on imported critical minerals.
The order, issued on Tuesday, highlights concerns over the vulnerability of U.S. supply chains and their potential risks to national security, defense readiness, and economic stability.
The executive order stresses that the dependence on imports for essential minerals, particularly rare earth elements (REEs), has raised significant security and economic concerns. “The dependence of the United States on imports and the vulnerability of our supply chains raises the potential for risks to national security, defense readiness, price stability, and economic prosperity and resilience,” the order states.
This move is seen as part of an effort to break China’s dominance in the critical minerals sector, which is vital for the production of advanced technologies, defense systems, and renewable energy products. China currently controls 69% of global rare earth production and holds 49% of the world’s estimated reserves, according to the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2024 data.
The executive order also follows Trump's March 20 decision to encourage both public and private investments aimed at boosting the U.S. production of critical minerals. The order outlines the establishment of financing and credit mechanisms to enhance the country’s energy and critical minerals sectors.
This new directive builds on previous actions, including the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration in 2018 on Chinese goods, which led to retaliatory measures from Beijing, including tighter controls over the export of rare earths. The latest restrictions were implemented by China on April 4, just days after new U.S. tariffs were announced.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to rise, the U.S. is focusing on reducing its dependency on China and securing a more resilient and self-sufficient supply chain. The investigation into mineral imports is part of broader efforts to strengthen U.S. economic and security positions in an increasingly competitive global market.
Iran has opened the first phase of its largest solar power plant as part of a major government programme to expand renewable energy capacity....
UK authorities have raised an amber heat health alert for much of southern England, warning that the ongoing heatwave could lead to a rise in deaths....
Floods driven by climate change are raising the danger of long-banned toxic chemicals resurfacing in rivers, soil, and food chains, according to a new...
A group of high-profile British political figures and commentators has threatened legal action to block the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece, acc...
A rocket launched by Taiwanese company TiSpace from Japan's northern Hokkaido island failed shortly after takeoff on Saturday, falling short of its go...
Iran has opened the first phase of its largest solar power plant as part of a major government programme to expand renewable energy capacity.
UK authorities have raised an amber heat health alert for much of southern England, warning that the ongoing heatwave could lead to a rise in deaths.
A group of high-profile British political figures and commentators has threatened legal action to block the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece, accusing the British Museum of engaging in secretive negotiations with Athens.
A rocket launched by Taiwanese company TiSpace from Japan's northern Hokkaido island failed shortly after takeoff on Saturday, falling short of its goal to become the first foreign firm to complete a successful launch from Japanese soil.
A series of earthquakes have struck Guatemala on Tuesday afternoon, leading authorities to advise residents to evacuate from buildings as a precaution against possible aftershocks.
A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
Australian researchers have created a groundbreaking “biological AI” platform that could revolutionise drug discovery by rapidly evolving molecules within mammalian cells.
Dozens of international and domestic flights were cancelled or delayed after Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted on Monday, but Bali’s main airport remains operational.
French member of parliament Olivier Marleix was found dead at his home on Monday, with suicide being considered a possible cause.
UK authorities have raised an amber heat health alert for much of southern England, warning that the ongoing heatwave could lead to a rise in deaths.
Floods driven by climate change are raising the danger of long-banned toxic chemicals resurfacing in rivers, soil, and food chains, according to a new UN Environment Programme (UNEP) report.
Israel is expected to submit a new withdrawal map today during ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, as talks face challenges over the size of the buffer zone around Gaza.
Widespread wildfires have engulfed the Alawenat Oasis in southwestern Libya, with flames spreading into residential areas and causing panic among local communities, according to state media.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his “unconditional support” for all actions taken by Russia to resolve the Ukraine war, during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, according to North Korean state media.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment