White House Sets Negotiations to Secure Critical Minerals Supply
The White House issued a Section 232 proclamation after a Commerce Department finding that imports of processed critical minerals and their derivatives threaten US national security. It emphasizes PCMDPs’ essential role in defense and infrastructure, notes heavy US dependence on foreign sources and price volatility, and calls for negotiations with trading partners to adjust imports (potentially with tariffs or price floors). The President directs the Secretary and the USTR to pursue agreements, monitor progress, and provide updates within 180 days, while retaining authority to take further actions to secure domestic mining, processing, and supply chains.