By the authority vested in him as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, President Donald J. Trump has ordered a Section 232 investigation into the national security implications of importing processed critical minerals and their derivative products. This action is taken under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.
According to the President, "A strong national defense depends on a robust economy and price stability, a resilient manufacturing and defense industrial base, and secure domestic supply chains." Processed critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are considered essential raw materials necessary for economic and national security. They are crucial components in products ranging from jet engines and advanced computing to telecommunications and energy infrastructure.
The President's order highlights vulnerabilities in global supply chains stemming from over-reliance on a limited number of foreign suppliers. These vulnerabilities have resulted in significant import dependencies for the United States, posing potential risks to national security, defense readiness, and economic prosperity.
The order calls for an investigation under Section 232 to determine if such imports threaten national security. "For the United States to manufacture derivative products, it must have ready access to an affordable, resilient, and sustainable supply of processed critical minerals," the order states.
The Secretary of Commerce is tasked with conducting the Section 232 investigation and assessing several factors such as the impact of imports on domestic production for national defense, foreign competition on economic welfare, and risks associated with specific foreign sources. The investigation will also analyze the predatory practices of major global producers and the demand for processed critical minerals by U.S. manufacturers.
Within 90 days of the order, a draft interim report will be submitted for internal review to key officials, including the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Defense. Comments are expected within 15 days, with a final report presented to the President within 180 days of the investigation's start.
While conducting this investigation, the Secretary of Commerce will consider measures including the imposition of tariffs and other import restrictions, safeguards against evasion of Section 232 measures, policies to boost domestic production, and any additional actions needed to mitigate national security risks.
This order, signed by President Trump, is not intended to create any enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its administration.
