The White House has announced new measures to address the national security risks posed by imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products (PCMDPs). President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation on January 14, 2026, following a report from the Secretary of Commerce that concluded these imports threaten to impair U.S. national security.
According to the Secretary's findings, PCMDPs are vital for national defense programs and critical infrastructure. These materials are used in advanced weapons systems, energy infrastructure, and consumer goods. The report highlights rare earth permanent magnets as essential components in electronics and vehicles.
The Secretary also determined that PCMDPs are crucial for the United States’ defense industrial base and military readiness. They support the development of high-performance military equipment such as fighter aircraft, munitions, naval ships, communication networks, navigation systems, and surveillance systems.
Processed critical minerals play a key role in all 16 critical infrastructure sectors identified by National Security Memorandum 22 from April 30, 2024. For example, lithium is used in chemical synthesis; gallium and indium are important for communications; cobalt and uranium support energy production.
The report notes that the United States is heavily dependent on foreign sources for these materials. As of 2024, the country was entirely reliant on imports for 12 critical minerals and at least half-reliant for another 29. Even when domestic mining exists—for minerals like cobalt or rare earth elements—the lack of processing capacity means reliance on foreign countries continues.
Supply chain vulnerabilities have exposed sectors such as defense and transportation to risk. The Department of War’s supply chains often depend on single-country suppliers for key minerals. Market price volatility further discourages private investment in domestic capacity.
Despite declining U.S. production of critical minerals—due to facility closures or offshoring—demand is rising because of increased military threats and growth in high-tech industries like artificial intelligence and nuclear energy.
The Secretary recommended actions including negotiating agreements with foreign nations to secure mineral supplies and mitigate vulnerabilities quickly. If negotiations do not yield results promptly, import restrictions such as tariffs may be considered.
President Trump stated: "In my judgment, and in light of the Secretary’s report... I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to enter into negotiations with trading partners to adjust the imports of PCMDPs so that such imports will not threaten to impair the national security of the United States."
He directed senior officials—including the Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Trade Representative, and Secretary of Homeland Security—to negotiate agreements addressing these concerns within 180 days. The proclamation authorizes regulatory actions as needed to implement its directives.
President Trump concluded: "All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures to implement and effectuate this proclamation."
This move follows ongoing efforts by the administration to strengthen supply chains for materials deemed essential for both economic stability and national defense.
