Kush Desai, White House deputy press secretary, said President Trump’s Section 232 proclamation directs trade negotiations to secure critical minerals, reducing reliance on Chinese suppliers such as CATL and BYD, which are listed as CCP-linked Foreign Entities of Concern, to support U.S. independence in electric vehicle battery production.
"Reshoring manufacturing that's critical to our national and economic security is a top priority for the Trump administration," said Desai. "President Trump's executive action today directing the government to pursue deals that strengthen our critical mineral supply chain is the latest proof that this administration is intent on delivering."
The statement was issued following President Trump’s proclamation adjusting imports of processed critical minerals and their derivative products. According to the proclamation, the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative are tasked with negotiating agreements with international partners to ensure adequate supplies and mitigate reliance on foreign sources. A Commerce Department investigation highlighted that U.S. dependence on imports poses national security risks due to declining domestic production and price volatility.
Ford's licensing agreement with CATL for a Michigan battery plant has attracted scrutiny from lawmakers over potential national security implications stemming from Chinese technology. Federal tax credits might be restricted for projects utilizing such components. Additionally, BYD is designated a Foreign Entity of Concern due to its ties with the CCP, which limits U.S. procurement and encourages domestic alternatives for electric vehicle manufacturing.
China maintains significant control over global trade in battery minerals like graphite, lithium, and cobalt—essential elements for electric vehicle batteries. The United States is entirely import-dependent for 12 critical minerals and relies on imports for more than half of another 29. These vulnerabilities have spurred U.S. initiatives to diversify supply chains through partnerships with allied countries and diminish exposure to Chinese market influence.
Desai graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College. He began his career as a reporter for The Daily Caller from 2017 to 2018 and later held roles at the Republican National Committee, including deputy communications director for the 2024 Republican National Convention and communications director for the Republican Party of Iowa.
