Trump Delays Tariffs on Critical Minerals, Seeks Global Supply Deals to Protect U.S. Security

U.S. President Donald Trump has decided, for now, not to impose tariffs on rare earths, lithium, and other critical minerals, choosing instead to pursue international negotiations aimed at securing stable supplies. The decision comes at a sensitive moment for the U.S. economy, as the Supreme Court continues to review the legality of Trump’s broader tariff policies, and reflects growing concerns about America’s dependence on foreign mineral supply chains.

In an official order issued Wednesday, Trump instructed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to negotiate with key trading partners to adjust imports of critical minerals in ways that do not threaten U.S. national security. The administration aims to reduce vulnerabilities linked to supply disruptions, price volatility, and geopolitical risks, particularly as global competition for critical minerals intensifies.

A key element of the negotiations is the potential introduction of price floors for critical minerals, a policy long advocated by Western mining companies and policymakers. Such measures were recently discussed by G7 finance ministers and officials from major economies, including Australia, during meetings in Washington. Price floors are seen as a way to stabilize markets, encourage domestic and allied investment, and counter unfair pricing practices.

Trump warned that if negotiations fail, the U.S. could still move toward setting minimum import prices or adopt other protective measures, though details were not specified. The approach aligns with recommendations from Commerce Secretary Lutnick, who launched a national security review last year under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. His report concluded that the United States is overly reliant on foreign sources for critical minerals, lacks secure processing capacity, and faces extreme price swings that pose serious national security risks.

China remains central to these concerns, as it is the leading global producer or processor of more than half of the 54 minerals deemed critical by the U.S. Geological Survey. Beijing has also restricted exports in recent months amid ongoing trade tensions. Trump emphasized that domestic mining alone is insufficient if the U.S. still depends on foreign countries for mineral processing, underscoring the need for resilient, allied supply chains.