President Donald J. Trump has signed a proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, directing the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to begin negotiations with trading partners regarding imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products (PCMDPs). The goal is to address potential threats to national security posed by these imports.
According to the White House, PCMDPs are essential for many industries, including those related to national defense and critical infrastructure. President Trump emphasized the importance of building more diverse and resilient supply chains in order to reduce dependence on foreign actors that may use non-market practices.
"President Trump recognizes that PCMDPs are indispensable to almost every industry, including national defense programs and critical infrastructure, and recognizes the need to create diverse and more resilient supply chains to counterbalance the influence of non-market practices by foreign actors," according to the announcement.
The administration stated that this action continues its efforts to secure reliable sources of critical minerals, which it views as necessary for both economic strength and national security.
"President Trump has long recognized that America’s national security and economic strength depend on securing reliable supplies of critical minerals," according to the statement.
