US unveils critical minerals deals in latest push to counter China
The United States on Friday announced several critical minerals agreements with multiple mining companies, marking its latest push to curb China’s dominance over the production and processing of strategic materials. While attending a round table with global mining industry executives at the State Department, US President Donald Trump, without naming China, said that his administration would…
The United States announced new critical minerals deals with mining companies on Friday, aiming to reduce reliance on China for strategic materials. At a State Department roundtable, President Donald Trump vowed America would no longer depend on hostile nations for resources needed to dominate the future. Trump highlighted $2 billion in domestic and abroad investments and $180 million for workforce development.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized China's dominance, attributing it to subsidies, market distortion, and export restrictions. China holds a near monopoly in processing critical minerals like graphite and rare earth elements, which are crucial for military systems, semiconductors, and robotics.
China's export controls have caused global factory closures and prompted the US to sign agreements to build supply chains free from China. Despite these efforts, the US still receives fewer critical mineral exports from China than desired, with shipments of rare earth permanent magnets falling 22.5% year on year in January and February.
China maintains it follows a "responsible and non-discriminatory approach" on rare earth export controls. The US will continue to confront supply chain challenges, including during President Xi Jinping's expected visit to Washington.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
