President Donald Trump on the 15th of April, 2025, ordered a sweeping investigation into possible new tariffs on all US critical minerals imports, a bold move that signals renewed tensions with global trade partners and a direct challenge to China’s dominance in the minerals market.
In a clear warning to Washington, the order echoed long-standing concerns from industry insiders, academics, and manufacturers who argue the U.S. has grown far too dependent on China and a few others for key processed minerals the same materials that fuel the country’s energy, tech, defense, and manufacturing sectors.
China, according to reports, leads global production in 30 of the 50 minerals listed as critical by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Trump’s order authorizes Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to launch a national security review under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 the same tool Trump used during his first term to hit global steel and aluminum with a 25% tariff, and more recently to probe potential copper tariffs.
Trump warned in the directive that relying on foreign sources for essential minerals exposes the U.S. to serious risks from national security threats to economic instability.
Lutnick has 180 days to complete the review and submit recommendations, including whether tariffs should be imposed.
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The White House added that if new tariffs are approved, they would override the reciprocal tariffs Trump introduced earlier this month.
The review will dig into how foreign players may be manipulating mineral markets, and explore ways to build up U.S. capacity for processing and recycling critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and uranium.
Current U.S. capacity remains limited:
• Just one active nickel mine — with no smelter
• No cobalt mines or refineries
• Minimal lithium production
This move could reshape mineral supply chains and challenge China’s grip on global mineral processing. Will the U.S. invest enough to catch up or remain stuck in the dependency loop?